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Parry has real ability
Paul Parry has real ability, says Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence in tonight's South Wales Echo, but his biggest test awaits him next season as First Division defenders have now "sussed him out."
However Lawrence appears very pleased with the gamble he took when he signed Parry from Hereford United. The winger was an instant hit with his new club and even more so when he played for Wales against Scotland.
The Bluebirds paid out £75,000 initially and had to pay both the player and his former club, Hereford United, extra when he made his Welsh debut.
Now Lawrence is waiting to see the next stage of Parry's development.
"Paul Parry's ability to adjust instantly after stepping up from the Nationwide Conference to Division One was astonishing," said Lawrence.
"He was on such a high.Then he picked up an injury and his performances levelled out.
"First Division clubs know him now, they have sussed him out and he has to progress through that.
"He has real ability and that's why we brought him here.
"We will work closely with Paul during pre-season and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the start of a second season in Division One."
Parry was with Bristol City as a schoolboy, but they released the left-winger and he joined Hereford United as a teenager.
He stayed at Edgar Street until Lawrence moved in last January, taking him from non-league to Division One - a rise of four levels.
Lawrence had been tracking Parry for some time and he spent a week on trial at Ninian Park last December.
"I was told Cardiff would keep an eye on my progress and I just got on with playing for Hereford ," said Parry.
"I was lucky enough to score a hat-trick in a 7-1 win at Forest Green Rovers just before Christmas and I was told the gaffer ( Lennie Lawrence) was there.
"I don't know whether that made a difference, but after the following game, against Stevenage, I was told Cardiff had made an offer and I went to Ninian Park for a medical.
"That was all day on Thursday, I trained on Friday and made my Division One debut against Rotherham United at home on the Saturday.
"It was brilliant running out at Ninian Park - the supporters were fantastic.
"I've set my sights high and I want to be a success for Cardiff City next season - and play for them in the Premiership," continued Parry.
"I've earned my first Wales cap - and I want more.That means playing well for Cardiff City and I am focused on that."