Cardiff City manager Neil Harris has revealed how central midfielder Will Vaulks is now performing to a higher standard following a tough start to the season.
The midfielder was brought to the club by Neil Warnock in the summer from Rotherham United and he struggled to cement a spot in the side before Harris took over the reins at The Cardiff City Stadium.
He was a regular bench-warmer during the early stages of Harris' tenure but the FA Cup games against Carlisle and Reading last month saw him cement a spot within the Bluebirds starting XI.
Speaking to WalesOnline (10:54), Harris said: "Great for me, great for the national set-up, desperate to be in the squad and play well for me.
"Will when he’s played in previous seasons at previous clubs, he’s played with freedom whereas we’ve gone a bit more structured.
"Some players had done that before, Will hadn’t, needed extra work off the pitch, positional development analysis etc.
"I’ve been really pleased with him. He’s one who’s used the FA Cup games to grab a place. Seen Whyte do it, Patto do it, Sol step up. When we give people an opportunity, we want them to take it.
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"Middle of the park we’re really strong at the moment and we’ve not had the opportunity to play three midfielders yet, something we’d like to use moving forward."
The 26-year-old had only started two league games in 2019 while a Cardiff player but he has now become a more prominent player within Harris' plans, starting four of the last six Championship games.
The Bluebirds playmaker has netted one goal in 12 league appearances this season and he has formed a key partnership alongside Marlon Pack in recent weeks.
The central midfielder stood out in the FA Cup defeat to Reading with an excellent outside-of-the-boot assist for Robert Glatzel to convert a chance.
The Verdict
Vaulks is continuing to learn daily as he develops his game at Championship level.
He has shown glimpses that he has the ability to change a game for the Bluebirds and Harris has managed to get the best out of him since taking over.
The midfielder has adapted to a new role within the team and become more disciplined as a result, playing with less freedom than he has done at previous clubs.