CITY TAKE IT AS REID HE’S A TAMBUSTER
Bobby backed to fill Abraham boots
BOBBY REID isn’t fazed by comparisons to Tammy Abraham following his surprise transformation from midfielder to ace marksman.
Having netted eight times for City in pre-season, the Bristolian set about life as a Championship striker with a brace and an assist in a sparkling team performance.
Chelsea loanee Abraham (right) hit 26 goals for City last season, and asked if Reid could match that, coach Lee Johnson added: “Don’t rule it out” after seeing him run Barnsley ragged alongside £5.3million club record buy Famara Diedhiou.
Diminutive Reid, 24, said: “I definitely learned a lot from Tammy last season.
“I watched how he assessed the build-up play so he would be in the right place at the right time to pounce and score.
“Tammy was ruthless and I am loving every minute of playing further forward.
“I started as a striker when I joined the club aged seven and then played on the wing before settling in central midfield.”
Reid opened the scoring from a chance created by Diedhiou and then crossed for his powerful partner to head in at the far post.
When a shot from the equally impressive Joe Bryan was palmed out by busy Barnsley keeper Adam Davies, Reid showed Abraham-like instinct to stick away the rebound. Sub Ryan Hedges shot a stoppage-time consolation for Barnsley, whose boss Paul Heckingbottom admitted: “The first goal changed the game.
“For a spell there were fundamental differences from how we want to play. Until we complete the squad there will be an opportunity for players to claim a place.”
Johnson revealed he had bids lodged for three players. Having described a £4m offer from Birmingham for Bryan and Aden Flint as “derisory”, he added: “We have no need to sell anyone.”