Farah key for the Bluebirds youth.

IBRAHIM Farah, a tough-tackling midfield player of Somali descent, will be a key player for Cardiff City in their FA Youth Cup tie against Barnsley at home next Tuesday.

Ibrahim Farah Grangetown boy Farah is a regular in Cardiff City's youth academy under-18 team and is likely to partner Aaron Wildig through the middle.

The FA Youth Cup tie is at Cardiff City Stadium (7pm) and will be the latest chance for 'Ibby' and his teenage teammates to impress Bluebirds' manager Dave Jones.

Farah was spotted when academy manager Neal Ardley set his coaching staff the ask of finding a youth team from the Cardiff parks to take on a club side.

"I was 15-years-old and playing for Grangetown Boys Club when I was invited along to the trial," said Farah.

"I was spotted and have been here for two years."

He was given the opportunity of a year's schoolboy terms plus another two seasons as a full trainee to get used to what was expected of him.

Ibby, a former Moorland Primary School and Cathays High School pupil, is continuing his education within the academy system headed up by Steve Ellis while also playing and training.

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Ibrahim Farah