Big Interview Craig Conway

Craig Conway set his sights on starring in the Barclays Premier League long before he moved down south.

Finally, the Scotland internationalist now finds himself counting down the days until he lives out a lifelong ambition when he makes his bow in the world’s most exciting league.

It wasn’t until he quit Dundee United to sign for Cardiff City two years ago that the winger’s target to play in the English top flight became a realistic one.

Having always dreamed about facing Manchester United at Old Trafford or taking on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Conway is now just a matter of weeks away from achieving his ultimate goal.

“I’m not so sure I’ve ever been as excited about the start of a new season in my life,” said Conway.

“We started back pre-season training on Thursday afternoon and there was a really positive and exciting atmosphere as everyone reported back. You can just tell all the boys are up for this challenge.

“The English Premier League is where everyone wants to be. As a kid, I grew up watching Match of the Day and you always wanted to play at that level.

“Then, when you become a professional footballer, you strive to get there and for me that was certainly the target when I left Dundee United and signed for Cardiff City a couple of years ago.

“During my discussions with the manager, Malky Mackay, it was very clear he was determined to lead the club to promotion. So when I signed it was obviously in the hope of going up.

“We just missed out in my first year but it was great to do it last season and ever since I’ve been looking forward to finally playing in what I believe to be the best league in the world.”

Cardiff kick-off their campaign in the top flight away to West Ham United on August 17 but Conway won’t have to wait too long before he faces one of the leading clubs.

He said: “When the fixtures were announced I found myself quickly scanning through them to see when and where we were playing the top teams.

“We’ve actually got Manchester City at home just two games into the season so we don’t have long to wait. But we start away to West Ham United and that will be a tough one for us.

“In fact, they’ll all be difficult. Obviously the opportunity to play against teams such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs is one you can only be excited by.

“But at the same time you have to try to compete. Everyone at Cardiff is determined to make the most of this and make sure we give a good account of ourselves.

“I’ve been back from holiday for just over a week now and the city is absolutely buzzing. The supporters can’t wait for the start of the season and the players are the same.”

Conway accepts only time will tell if he has what is required to operate at that level.

Certainly, he has improved considerably from the player who left Tannadice and his displays last season would suggest he has what it takes to follow others in making the grade.

“It’s a big step up,” said Conway. “But I felt I was performing well last season, especially towards the end of the season, and scoring the goal that won us the title was a special moment.

“You look at other players who have stepped up and played really well and I think you can see with how well Robert Snodgrass has done since moving to Norwich City that it can be done.

“Moving to Dundee United from Ayr United was a step up. Then moving to England to play in the Championship was a challenge. So too was playing for Scotland.

“During your career you are constantly facing challenges and this is one I’ve waited a long time for.”

Although Conway knows Cardiff City are highly unlikely to find themselves competing at the top end of the table, he does feel this season is perhaps even more exciting than normal at the top end.

“I think it will be exciting to see how the top teams perform with three of the top four clubs all having new managers,” said Conway. “And every year there are so many new players.

“Some of the biggest names in world football current play in the League and more are joining this summer.

“We know though we’ve just got to battle away and try to do our best as you only have to look at how competitive the League was last season to know how hard it is to pick up points.

“But we’ll approach the new season with confidence.”

Conway’s other target this term is to force his way into Gordon Strachan’s plans as Scotland aim to rebuild.

The winger came on as a second-half substitute in the shock win over Croatia last month.

Now he hopes playing against better-quality opposition can boost his chances of winning a starting slot.

Conway said: “First and foremost I was delighted to be named in the original squad for the Croatia match.

“The fact I had to cancel a holiday didn’t matter to me in the slightest because if the opportunity is there for you to go and represent your country then you want to take it.

“I booked another holiday for after the game and it was nice to get on the pitch and earn my fourth cap.

“It was a brilliant result because I don’t think many would have expected us to go there and win 1-0.

“Hopefully we can now build on that result and performance. We’ll try our best to finish the qualifying campaign as positively as possible and take things from there.”