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Paul Trollope has said Cardiff City's young guns have staked their claim for a place in the first team next season, and he will have no hesitation throwing them into Championship action if they continue to impress.

Injuries to the likes of Lee Peltier, Sean Morrison and Bruno Manga have given a battery of young defenders a chance to get minutes under their belt.

David Tutonda and Semi Ajayi have played every minute of the Germany tour, while Tom James has also featured prominently.

Trollope said: “We feel we've had a good at look at some younger players right through pre-season, in terms of training and action.

“They had some good time at Forest Green Rovers and positionally, we had some players coming back from injuries that have given David Tutonda, Semi Ajayi, Tom James a chance to stake a claim and show what they can do and they can be really positive.

“It's not been easy for them either because it's a system they're probably not used to, they've adapted well.

“My philosophy is that they're good enough they're old enough, if I feel they warrant a place I'll have no hesitation at all. We've some experience coming back but it's a long season, there's a lot of games coming thick and fast. If I feel they're ready and can do a job I'll have no hesitation.”

Trollope also allayed injury concerns over the experienced trio, however, and is hopeful that he will have all three available when the season starts.

He said: “With Bruno, he's had a little bit of tightness, which was disappointing but that's all it is.

“Sean and Lee have made good progress, we'll potentially see Lee on Tuesday and Sean we're currently aiming for Bournemouth.”

Trollope also confirmed that Euro 2016 heroes Aron Gunnnarsson and Jazz Richards should be available for selection in at least one of the remaining pre-season games.

Cardiff travel to Herne to take on Vfl Bochum on Tuesday night before a game away to Bournemouth next Saturday.