Nottingham Forest-owned player Josh Bowler got off to the perfect start on his Cardiff City debut. The Bluebirds drew 2-2 with Leeds United at Elland Road as the Whites scored deep into stoppage time.
Bowler was allowed to join Cardiff during the summer transfer window. He signed for the club on a season-long loan, with Steve Cooper not deeming him good enough for his Premier League squad.
The Reds player was on hand to nudge Cardiff into a surprise lead at Elland Road. He sidefooted the ball home from close range to leave Leeds absolutely shellshocked.
Bowler will be looking to get back to playing regularly this season following a pretty frustrating 2022/23 campaign. He first went on loan to Olympiacos but didn’t really play, before joining Blackpool on loan.
At 24-years-old, Bowler might have been disappointed not to get a chance at Forest this season. Still, he now has the chance to play regular football and he must grasp the opportunity.
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Forest winger Bowler was energetic throughout the contest. He played the full 90 minutes in the left wing and he gave the Leeds defenders plenty to think about during the win.
Forest-owned Bowler scored on Cardiff debut
The player would have likely had plenty of interest from the second tier. Cardiff won the race though and here he highlighted exactly what he’s all about.
Forest needed to clear Bowler from their ranks. The squad still looks very bloated even now and it was just a case of needs must for the Reds with some players.
Bowler will get plenty of chances to play at Cardiff. He looks like a very astute signing for them and he will only get better with the more he plays.
The challenge for the Forest man is to get the love back for playing football again. He will hope to score more and register some assists as the season progresses.
If he does that, Forest might just give him a chance next season.