Willock 'will only improve' after bounce-back season

Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy says in-form winger Chris Willock "will only improve" after impressing for Cardiff City this season.

Willock, 27, endured a frustrating first year in Wales, scoring twice in 32 league appearances as the Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship.

But Willock has enjoyed an upturn in form in League One, with his double in the 4-0 thrashing of Barnsley on Tuesday taking him to six goals this season.

"For a player of his calibre, he has to have the outcomes in terms of goals and assists," he said.

"That means being in a physical condition where he can deliver, not just relying on spectacular goals.

"He's getting towards where he needs to be physically now and he'll only improve."

Willock also has five assists in 25 league games this season, with Cardiff sitting top of the table and hoping for an immediate return to the Championship.

And Barry-Murphy says he has long been an admirer of the Arsenal academy graduate, who joined Cardiff from Queens Park Rangers in 2024.

"I always thought he was somebody I didn't ever think I'd get to work with," Barry-Murphy said.

"The chance that I have is very rewarding and we value him enormously. His journey was slightly unorthodox, but very normal for a young player.

"His time at QPR was where I saw him at his best – the football they played under Mark Warburton was amazing."

Willock's next opportunity to add to his goal tally comes when Cardiff go to Burton Albion on Saturday.

Isaak Davies is another player who has been catching the eye out wide for Cardiff.

The 24-year-old has made 25 league appearances this season, chipping in with three goals and an assist and landing a first senior Wales cap.

"I've been so happy with him," said Barry-Murphy.

"He's helped me and the club out by playing wide so often this season, when we needed him to due to other injuries.

"We see him being a huge part of the Cardiff City future."