Snubbed Craig is putting baby first

He may have been axed by Cardiff City, but Craig Conway insists he can still achieve his dream of playing in the English Premier League.

The Scotland internationalist guaranteed his place in Cardiff history last season when he scored the goal that clinched the club’s place among the elite as champions.

However, for the 28-year-old, it was a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’, as the promotion led to an influx of expensive new talent.

The additional competition meant he struggled to make even the substitutes bench and when it came time to announce the 25-man squad for the EPL, Conway’s name was among those absent.

On Friday he signed for Brighton on an emergency loan, but with wife Kirsty eight-and-a-half months pregnant, it has been a worrying time for the Scot.

“It’s been disappointing,” Craig says.

“It was brilliant to get promoted. To win the League as well, and to score the goal that won us the title just topped it off.

“Obviously I wanted to play in the Premier League and for now I’m not going to get a chance,” he said. “It is something I have always wanted to do and I believe in myself that I can go and play at that level.

“But you have to have a manager who believes that also. I’m 28 but I feel as if I have my best years in front of me.

“My wife is due in 10 days so it all seems to be happening right now. “Seeing what happens with the baby is the most important thing, of course, but I want to go and play.”

Many would feel bitter about effectively being told they are surplus to requirements so soon after playing a key role in such a valuable promotion, but Conway, formerly of Ayr and Dundee United, prefers to be philosophical.

“It is just football,” he says. “It can be a harsh sport and I have experienced this situation before in my career.

“If you were to ask me if I’d rather be in the 25 and sit in the stand every week or go and play, I know which one I’d choose. I would definitely rather play every week in the Championship than sit in the stand at Premier League matches.

“I am 28, I am not a kid any more, I don’t want to hang about and wait for my chance. I want to play.”