Asoro’s progress is so striking - and very pleasing to his boss

CHRIS Coleman may have been keen to play down the euphoria of Saturday’s comeback at Bristol City, given he had watched his side go 3-0 down in the first half.

Yet while the Welshman has sensibly focused on the lessons to learn from Ashton Gate, it has not stopped him from picking out a few key performances.

Lee Cattermole came in for praise from the manager for his role in the revival and Coleman also highlighted Joel Asoro’s display in that stirring second half. The youngster has kept his place in the side despite the arrival of Ashley Fletcher on loan from Middlesbrough, fellow academy product Josh Maja dropping to the bench.

He notched the winner against Hull City last month and Coleman was impressed with his ‘fearlessness’ at Bristol City after his late cross was turned into his own goal by Marlon Pack for the dramatic equaliser.

The manager said: “I thought Joel Asoro was absolutely excellent in the second 45 minutes. That (his fearlessness) is what you need and he has a really good attitude.

“He does not miss training and is ready for games whether we play him wide or in the middle.

“When you address him in training he always tries to take it on board so I am really pleased for him. “He has worked incredible hard and even harder since he came into the team to stay in the team and that is a pleasing sign.” Aiden McGeady came off the bench to score the Black Cats’ second goal – his sixth of the season - and Coleman now has a selection issue ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Brentford. Coleman added: “Aiden looked good on Saturday – he was bright and sharp.”