Kevin Phillips has hailed Cardiff City midfielder Jack Moylan for making the step up from League One to the Championship look easy.
Moylan joined the Bluebirds in August from League One champions Lincoln City, stepping up to the second tier after helping the Imps win promotion last season.
The 25-year-old arrived tasked with helping Cardiff on their return to the Championship, but Brian Barry-Murphy’s side endured a difficult opening seven games without a win.
However, Moylan provided the spark they had been waiting for when the Welsh outfit finally broke their duck against Charlton Athletic before the international break, scoring twice and setting up another in a man-of-the-match display during a 3-1 victory.
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Excellent
His form then continued onto the international stage, with the Republic of Ireland midfielder scoring and assisting in their 3-0 Nations League victory over Israel last weekend – further evidence of the impact he can make this season.
Phillips knows the jump between divisions can be a difficult one, but believes Moylan has already shown he is more than capable of making a significant impact in the Championship.
“Yeah, it makes me feel so happy when I see players step up, because we all question whether they can,” the former England and Sunderland striker said in an exclusive interview for BestBettingSites.co.uk.
“It’s a big jump from League One to the Championship, as it is from the Championship to the Premier League. And you kind of always want players to succeed.
“And Jack’s done that. He’s gone into a Cardiff side, and let’s not forget, a side that isn’t expected to stay in the league, but they’ve competed really well.
“And he’s been a key player. He scored two against Charlton. I think he’s got three goals for the season.
“He’s playing in that 10 role. He’s been excellent.
“So again, can they keep him fit for the rest of the season? If they do, he’s shown that he’s more than capable of not just playing in the Championship but making a huge impact, because people are talking about him, and we are as well.”
PICTURE: PSI/Dan Minto
Watford need players back
Phillips also believes Watford’s hopes of turning their season around will depend partly on getting players back from injury.
The Hornets have struggled since their opening-day victory over Southampton and sit 20th in the Championship with eight points after one win and four defeats from their following seven games.
Next up is a home meeting with Burnley, who are still searching for their first win of the season and sit bottom of the table, giving Alessio Dionisi’s side a chance to get their season back on track.
And Phillips believes getting a fully fit squad back together could give Watford the platform they need to climb the table.
“They need more players back from injury,” he said.
“Watford, I talk about them quite a lot. It’s one of those up-and-down sides. You never know what you’re going to get.
“But from the manager’s point of view, you want all your players back, just a bit like Sunderland; you want a fully fit squad to pick from, because they have got some good players.
“They’ve got a huge game next out against Burnley at home. They’re 20th in the league; they’ve only got eight points. They need some wins.
“So the quicker they can get those players back and get them gelling and playing together, they’ve shown in stages this season that they’re capable of winning games.
“So it’s crucial they get some players back from injury after the break.”
Read the full exclusive interview for BestBettingSites HERE
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