Giles among a dozen youngsters handed pro Cardiff deals

Defender Luey Giles is among a dozen youngsters who have signed first professionals contracts at Cardiff City.

Giles, 17, made two substitute appearances for the Bluebirds last season, claiming the assist for Cian Ashford's late winner against Southampton.

The left-back, who joined Cardiff at under-9 level, told the club website: "I am very happy to be at such a great club and continue my stay here.

"Playing for the first team at the end of last season was surreal. It's what I dreamed of and to do it in front of my family and all the fans, I was very happy with that."

Midfielder Dakarai Mafico, who was on the bench for Cardiff's final game of last season at Rotherham, has also penned a new deal.

Left-back Josh Beecher is another who has signed, having made his senior debut as a substitute in the Carabao Cup defeat at Blackburn Rovers last September.

The others who have made the step to the professional ranks are midfielders Cody Twose, Troy George and Troy Perrett, goalkeepers Joe Thomas and Luke Armstrong, Wales Under-17 player Ronan Kpakio, winger Cole Fleming, striker Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and defender Will Spiers.

All the players will link up with Darren Purse's under-21 squad at the start of 2024-25.

"Some of them have been at the club since a young age. With the hours they and their families have had to put in, it's an immensely important day for the player and their families but also the club as a whole," Purse said.

"The number of scholars we are taking on this year is testament to the work that has been done throughout the whole academy. It gives us a great base to progress those boys into the first team."