| Steelmen swoop for Under-21 cap Bloom |
| Tuesday 31 January 2012 |
 PORT Talbot manager Mark Jones has signed former Cardiff City trainee and Wales Under-21 international James Bloom. The 21-year-old defender joined Falkirk for season 2009/10, but was fast-tracked into Brian Flynn's squad and made his debut in a 1-0 win against Austria at Newport Stadium. Bloom was told by Under-21 coach Alan Curtis: "You can start dreaming of the Premier League." Curtis said: "The first time I saw James was when he was playing for Cardiff Schools against Swansea Schools and he made an instant impact. "We had him on Swansea City’s books for a few years, but it didn’t work and he ended up at Cardiff and has really developed since going there. "He is a very tidy player who could easily play in Cardiff’s first team and in the Wales senior team. "James is equally comfortable at left-back or centre-back and could make it at either position. "I have told him that he needs to be patient. Cardiff City have a very strong squad at the moment, but I have no doubt that James could play in it. It’s a matter for Dave Jones, but if James gets his break, he could end up playing in the Premier League." While in Scotland with Falkirk, Bloom made 15 appearances during a loan spell with Alloa Athletic, joining Gloucester City on his release, and had been due to spend time on trial with Latvian outfit Skonto Riga this week. Photo: James Bloom in pre-season action for Gloucester City against Forest Green Rovers. |