By Chris O'Brien
December 8 2004

Bluebirds boss Lennie Lawrence has heaped praise on young forward Cameron Jerome. The 18-year-old already has 3 Cardiff City strikes to his name, and netted the opener against Gillingham last Saturday.

Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence has paid tribute to 18-year-old forward Cameron Jerome and hinted the teenage sensation may have done enough to remain in the line-up for Saturday's visit of Sunderland.

Jerome was preferred to Neil Harris, brought in on loan from Millwall, as he partnered Peter Thorne up front during Saturday's 3-1 win over struggling Gillingham. He netted the opening goal of the game with a cool finish before Thorne bagged a brace as the Bluebirds secured a crucial victory in the relegation dog fight.

"In situations like these it's not the young ones you have to worry about. We thought the time was right to start with Cameron and it paid off." said Lawrence.

"He was given a chance and has grabbed it and he's probably done enough to keep the shirt."

That 12th minute strike against the Gills was Jerome's third goal this season, and he is certainly looking a bright prospect for the season. With Joe Ledley quickly establishing himself in the side, the youngsters at Ninian Park are starting to break through into the senior side. Stuart Fleetwood and Danny Thomas are other local youngsters in first-team contention.

Thorne is certain to start on Saturday whilst Lawrence's words seem to imply he will partner Jerome. Harris should be amongst the substitutes, whilst Andy Campbell should miss the match-day squad after his inept form earlier in the season. With Alan Lee out for over a month with a hernia, Jerome has an ideal opportunity to become a first-team regular and he has certainly impressed initially.