Cardiff City striker Danny Williams, aged 21, has joined Southern League Merthyr Town on loan until the end of this season.
The former Wales Colleges captain links up with Bluebirds fan Gavin Williams, who is the Martyrs manager.
Williams has been with Cardiff for just over a year since being signed from Welsh League Haverfordwest County.
He is the latest young Bluebirds player to be told they are leaving the club following the news that eight Academy players have been told their contracts will not be renewed at the end of this season.
Wales under-21 full-back Cameron Coxe, who made two FA Cup appearances under manager Neil Harris, is one of eight youngsters to be told they are leaving, while it is thought Shamar Moore, Jake Evans and Lawrence Wooton are also moving on.
The identities of the other four has not yet been revealed.
Williams, though, has gone out on a temporary basis and his arrival is a massive boost for Merthyr, who could only name two substitutes for their goalless draw at Wimborne in midweek.
Former Gowerton School pupil and Gower College student Williams, who played for Goytre United and Pontardawe Town before joining Haverfordwest, netted more than 20 goals for the Pembrokeshire club. HIs strike partner with County was former Swansea City hit-man Lee Trundle.
“Everybody at the football club would like to wish Danny all the best as he teams up with Gavin Williams’ side,” said Merthyr Town.
The Martyrs had a tough few days with visits to Blackfield and Hartley, which is near Southampton, plus Wimborne, Dorset in a four day spell. They travelled a total of around 630 miles and players were on the team coach for 11 hours.
Both matches ended goalless.
Wimborne assistant manager James Stokoe paid tribute to Merthyr’s playing style after the midweek goalless draw at the Cuthbury.
Stokoe’s team play Chesham this Saturday and he said: “They are not going to get the ball down and pass it in the same way Merthyr did. Chesham will be more direct.
“They are a physical, bigger side.
“Merthyr had the majority of the first half, caused us quite a few problems in midfield with their movement and the front three with their movement as well. We were happy to go in at half-time level.
“In the second half, there were periods, especially early on before we went down to 10 men, the game levelled out and we were getting on top a bit.
“Then came the red card and then it was a case of seeing the game out, being professional in what we did and making sure we came away from the game with a point.
“You have got to hold your hands up and say Merthyr played really well.”
Defender Sam Davidson was the Wimborne player sent off after 66 minutes. He was shown a straight red card for sliding in on Owain Jones.
”It was a poor, mistimed tackle from Davo and it warranted the red card to be honest.
“Davo was facing our bench with the tackle and it looked like he was slightly off the ground and there was two feet, studs showing from where I was standing so I’ve got no complaints over the red card.”
Both teams had chances and Ismael Yakubu put the ball into Wimborne’s net after four minutes, but that effort was ruled out for a push on goalkeeper Cameron Plain.
Jarrad Wright fired against a Wimborne post, while Ian Traylor was a major threat to the home team and forced Plain into several big saves.
Lee Lucas, after a fantastic run, and Corey Jenkins tested Plain and the ‘keeper was able to tip both efforts to safety.
The Martyrs are currently in 12th place in Southern Premier, eight points clear of relegation danger with 13 fixtures to play.
The next test for Merthyr is against Beaconsfield Town a BetVictor Southern League fixture at the MetCoaches Stadium this Saturday (3pm).
Magpies: Cameron Plain, Stefan Penny, Ashley Wells, Sam Davidson, Sam Poole, Carl Pettefer (Curtis Young 58), Connor Doe, Sam Bayston (Joe Byrne 67), Tony Lee, Luke Burbidge, Antonio Diaz.
Merthyr Town: Alex Harris, Adam Davies (capt), Lewis Binns, Ismail Yakubu, Jarrad Wright, Jarrad Wright, Dan Summerfield, Corey Jenkins (Eliot Richards 76), Lee Lucas (Camden Duncan 89), Owain Jones, Jamie Veale, Ian Traylor. Subs not used: None
Attendance: 188
⭐️ A Night With Legends ⭐️
Join us on Friday 20th March for an evening with Club Legends!
Kevin Rogers, Chris Holvey, Andy Beattie & Peter Jones take us through the glory days of the late 80’s!
🎫 Tickets Available From:
Howard – 07746 556455More info below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Ai1f984OQo
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) February 27, 2020
Merthyr Town remaining fixtures (13)
February
Saturday 29 Merthyr Town v Beaconsfield Town
March
Saturday 7 Salisbury v Merthyr Town
Tuesday 10 Weston-super-Mare v Merthyr Town
Saturday 14 Taunton v Merthyr Town
Saturday 21 Merthyr Town v Truro City
Tuesday 24 Merthyr Town v Dorchester Town
Saturday 28 Hayes and Yeading v Merthyr Town
Tuesday 31 Truro City v Merthyr Town
April
Saturday 4 Merthyr Town v Poole Town
Saturday 11 Merthyr Town v Tiverton Town
Monday 13 Yate Town v Merthyr Town
Saturday 18 Hartley Wintney v Merthyr Town
Saturday 25 Merthyr Town v Hendon