Lawlor impresses Bellamy as teenager steps up to fill the void

Wales boss Craig Bellamy said he was blown away by debutant Dylan Lawlor, who stood out during his side's narrow 1-0 win over Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier.

- By PHIL BLANCHE

Craig Bellamy hailed Dylan Lawlor's starring role on his Wales debut just six months after the teenage defender made his Cardiff breakthrough.

Lawlor was outstanding as Wales won 1-0 in Kazakhstan on Thursday to top their World Cup qualifying group, celebrating his meteoric rise with the player of the match award.

The 19-year-old centre-back filled the gap left by Joe Rodon's late withdrawal from the squad, and was at ease on the international stage after making only eight senior starts.

Lawlor has established himself in Cardiff's first team this term and signed a new deal at the League One club last week after being linked with Rangers, Stoke and Austrian outfit RB Salzburg in the summer.