By Chris O'Brien
August 2 2004

Bluebirds boss Lennie Lawrence believes the forthcoming season will be a real test for left-winger Paul Parry. The 23-year-old joined City from Hereford United last season, and stunned supporters with some excellent performances that earned the youngster his first Welsh cap. Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence is predicting his left-winger Paul Parry has a tough season ahead of him with the 2004/2005 Football League campaign kicking off at Gresty Road against Crewe on Saturday.

Parry took to the First Division like a duck to water following a January £75,000 move from non-league outfit Hereford United, and went onto complete a remarkable 'rags to riches' story by picking up his debut Welsh cap against Scotland. However, Lawrence believes the real test for Parry will be this season.

"Paul needs to get his head clear and regain the confidence levels he reached when he came to the club.” said the City boss.

In typical Lennie Lawrence comment he then went on to make a bizarre comment about Parry’s age!…

"He's 23, but in football terms he's only 20 and similar in football development to James Collins and both are young men who will experience highs and lows."

There is no question that Parry has a lot of ability, and the Bluebirds got a real steal when he made the short trip from the West Country to South Wales earlier in the year. However, it will be interesting to see if the winger can bring his impressive form from last season into the 2004/2005 season, where he is almost certain to start regularly on the left side of midfield.