By Paul Jones
New Cardiff City signing Tommy Doyle asked Hamburg to end his loan spell in Germany in order to play more games.
The 20-year-old midfielder – who had joined the Bluebirds on loan until the end of the season – has spent the first half of the season in the Bundesliga 2, farmed out by his parent club Manchester City.
But that move has proved frustrating with Doyle having made only one start in the cup with six more appearances off the bench adding up to just 150 minutes.
Hamburg sports director Michael Mutzel said: “We had a conversation with Tommy before the winter break in which he told us that he wanted more playing time and that was also the reason for the loan.
“This playing time was limited, so he asked to be able to end the loan. We agreed to that for the time being.”
Doyle – who has two famous former City stars as grandfathers in Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe – is anxious to gain more opportunities in the Championship to show City manager Pep Guardiola what he can do.
Doyle said: “I’m very happy. The lads have been brilliant and welcomed me into the group.
🗣️ “It’s exciting, obviously it’s a good step for me and my development, and as I said I’m just looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
📺 Watch Tommy Doyle’s first interview as a #Bluebird on @CardiffCityTV!#CityAsOne
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 21, 2022
“It is an exciting move and it is good for my development. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead. Hopefully we can jump up the table. I’ve heard a lot about the fans and I’m excited to play in front of them.
“I’m here to learn, help the team, and to add goals and assists too.”
Cardiff boss Steve Morison believes Doyle can add Premier League quality to his squad in their battle to pull away from the Championship relegation zone, starting with the Severnside derby at Bristol City on Saturday,
“He’s someone we earmarked and somebody we believe can really help us, so we’re really pleased to get it over the line,” said Morison.
“I’ve had really good reports. He has captained at every youth level with England and did the same with Manchester City. He comes from a family of football legends as well.
“We’ve been entrusted by Man City to take one of their players and get him some experience. It works well for both parties.
“He’s an excellent player and one I think the fans will really enjoy watching.”