Michael Chopra, a former Cardiff City cult hero, has weighed in on Jack Moylan’s form, which included a first-half hat-trick in the 3-3 draw against West Ham United.

Much of the pre-match talk in South Wales focused on Scott Parker’s first game in command of the Hammers, but it appeared like the Bluebirds would lose for the third time in a row because to Moylan’s individual brilliance.

The Republic of Ireland international began the scoring with a magnificent long-range goal after 11 minutes, and he added two more before halftime.

Following a foul by Morato, Moylan beat Mads Hermansen from the penalty spot, flicking home his hat-trick and second in as many minutes just six minutes before half-time.

West Ham eventually produced a spectacular comeback, drawing level on 82 minutes thanks to goals from Divine Mukasa, Arne Engels, and Max Kilman, but that did not detract from Moylan’s superb showing in South Wales.

Michael Chopra makes a transfer claim for Cardiff City’s Jack Moylan following West Ham’s hat-trick.

Moylan joined the Welsh capital in August from fellow Championship newcomers Lincoln City, despite just agreeing new terms at the ProAmpac Stadium six months earlier.

After scoring 11 goals in 31 League One appearances for last season’s third-tier victors, the aggressive midfielder is already the Championship’s joint-second-highest goalscorer, with his treble against the Irons matching Andri Gudjohnsen’s nine for Blackburn Rovers.

Chopra, who has scored 63 goals in 159 games, commented on the 25-year-old Cardiff player, who has three more assists and is currently ranked 18th with 15 points.I said it a few months ago, but @JackMoylan8 is a player,” the former striker wrote on X.A first-half hat trick is amazing.

Cardiff City fans react after Jack Moylan’s stunning performance v West Ham

Moylan’s recent performances have highlighted his potential at 25, and many Cardiff supporters agree with Chopra.I’m scared, like you, Michael, because he has come in and really raised the club up, both players and fans. We have to try and keep him because our season would suffer greatly if he leaves,” said one Bluebirds supporter.

“No it isn’t, pal, come on! Only been here for a few months! “End of season, maybe, but not January!”

However, several social media users disagreed, stating that “January is going to be a chance to see how the board sees us when the bids for Moylan come in.”The difference between Cardiff aiming for the top half and being forced into relegation battle. “No one else in that team has that level of quality in front of goal,” was another assessment of Moylan’s quick impact.

Given Chopra’s cult hero status at Cardiff, one Cardiff fan responded with high praise: “Nearly, but not quite, as good as you!”

Moylan’s performances have also been praised by followers of other clubs, with one Birmingham City fan saying, “No chance he doesn’t get a Premier League move in January, bloke is class.”

Cardiff City will have enormous power if Jack Moylan’s interest emerges.

Few would be surprised if Moylan’s current form piques clubs’ attention ahead of the winter transfer window, though Cardiff fans will be praying that the playmaker is not sold too quickly.

However, after agreeing to a four-year contract with the Dubliner, the Bluebirds would still have enormous weight in discussions, while Lincoln supporters hope that a sell-on option was included in his transaction.

Moylan is a key player for Barry-Murphy’s team and is expected to be included in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans for Ireland’s next matches against Austria and Kosovo.