Omer Riza apologises for comments on Cardiff City player but insists January talks must happen
Omer Riza has said conversations need to take place over where Joel Colwill plays his football in the new year but apologised to Cheltenham Town boss Michael Flynn, who was put out by the Cardiff City manager's comments last week.
Colwill once again pushed his case further in front of the eyes of the Bluebirds' decision-makers ahead of the January window with yet another goal for his loan club Cheltenham.
The midfielder, who netted in Sunday's 5-3 defeat by Notts County, now has nine goals and three assists in 27 appearances in all competitions for the League Two side and a decision looms over what his next steps will be. Some supporters would like him to stay where he is - settled, playing well and contributing - while others want him to move to the division above. There are those who would like to see him recalled, too.
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Last week, Riza stated his preference for Colwill to be recalled and sent back out to a League One club or potentially a team at the top end of League Two in order for the Wales youth international, 20, to test himself. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Robins boss Flynn said he found it "bizarre" that Riza would make such a statement without communicating that preference to Cheltenham. But Riza, speaking after the 2-1 win over Watford, still holds the belief that Colwill should be pushing to a higher level and that decision now seems to be looming.
"Joel is doing excellently, he is a great player. What's that now, nine goals? He is doing really well in League Two. He is one of our players we hold in high regard," Riza said after the Watford game.
"Whether he comes back in the building for January is a conversation we need to have. For me, I think he could do with stepping up another level, but I upset the manager at Cheltenham with that last week, so I apologise for that. It's just what we need to do for our players to kick on and have good careers."
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Flynn himself said after the game his loan players were staying put for the time being, but admitted a conversation would have to take place with each of them at some point.
As for Colwill, when asked if he wanted to stay at Cheltenham, he said after Boxing Day: "Yes, I'm playing every minute and enjoying it. I want to be wherever I am playing.
"I haven't heard anything (from Cardiff), so I am just playing football every day, coming in and giving my all."
