Joe Ralls has been such a smooth-running presence in the Cardiff City midfield this season, it is easy to understand why manager Neil Warnock calls him his “Ralls Royce”.
The club’s academy graduate gave another refined display in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Hull City and can be forgiven for admitting he is dreaming of the Premier League high life as Cardiff cruise along in the promotion fast line.
Ralls has been an effortlessly reliable presence in the team’s engine room this season – enough for Warnock to recently reveal the 24-year-old had become the first name etched onto the team sheet every week.
Ralls gave another finely-tuned display as Sol Bamba’s header earned injury-hit Cardiff their fifth win in six matches.
With Warnock’s side still four points clear of the play-off places, Ralls admits he has half an eye on their final destination.
“Every player wants to test themselves in the top division and I’m no different,” said Ralls.
“We have a long way to go, but it’s very enjoyable at the moment and the team spirit here in this squad is the best I have known it since the year we got promoted.”
That was four years ago when Ralls was not thought ready for the Premier League, so former boss Malky Mackay sent him out on loan to Yeovil.
“I have been here since I was 16 and there are going to be spells at a club where you lack experience.
“You have to get better every year and I’ve always tried to come back each pre-season as a better player.”
Cardiff may lack the big names of 2013, such as Craig Bellamy, David Marshall, and Peter Whittingham.
But Ralls insists what they lack in know-how and recognised talent, they make up for with gritty determination.
“I was on the periphery of that team which won promotion before, but in terms of grinding out results this side isn’t found wanting.
“These 1-0 wins are great. Most people in football will agree that nicking tight games is a great feeling.
“We don’t talk about promotion, but we know we are a good side at the moment – and one that can dig in and get points.
“Everyone who has come in has done well, but when the injured players do come back we will have an even better squad going in to the second half of the season.”
Ralls has also been impressed with the recent form of fellow midfielder Lee Tomlin. Some doubts remain over the former Bristol City man’s fitness levels – doubts acknowledged until late by Warnock’s reluctance to give him more than appearances from off the bench – but Ralls feels Tomlin offers something different and is willing to take on some extra work load.
“With him playing, I have to do a lot of his running. But when he gets on the ball he makes things happen for us,” adds Ralls.
“It’s hard to be 100 per cent fit when you are not playing games, but he will only get fitter with the more games he plays. And over five to 10 yards, he’s quick and gets away from players.”