Weimann feels ‘really fit and happy to be back’

NOBODY came closer to scoring against Celtic on Wednesday than Bristol City’s Austrian running machine Andreas Weimann, writes Gregor MacGregor.

Callum O’Dowda glanced the post with a late looping header, but the 29-year-old former Villa striker’s volley against the inside of an upright in the 36th minute almost crowned the Robins’ official opening of the new High Performance Centre, as well as Weimann’s own return to action.

It may be a case of unfinished business for the Vienna-born player, after a cruel ACL injury ended his season after just seven games some ten months ago. And speaking to the media after the game, the former Derby and Wolves man confirmed his delight at being back playing.

“It felt great. Before the game I was a little bit nervous because it was my first game since October,” he said.

“A long wait... So I just wanted the game to kick off to be honest. When I was in it, I felt great. I think my rehab went as good as it could have, I feel really strong and the knee felt great.

“And I feel really fit, so I’m just happy to be back,” he explained, adding that City did not have too many chances, but it was a good workout for the Robins.

Weimann also reflected on his recent new deal, after the versatile attacker signed up at Ashton Gate for another three years last month. Other interest was rebuffed and there was some hard thought over what was best for the future.

“I’ve been here for three years and I always said that I wanted to stay,” said Weimann. “Obviously it was a big decision for me because I am 30 next month. I was thinking that it might be my last long-term contract.

“I just needed to make sure it was right for everyone, for my family and me, and I was glad when I got the offer and I couldn’t wait to sign it.”

Now it is on to Loughborough and City’s training camp, with Weimann eager to prove to boss Nigel Pearson that he is fit to lead the line again for the West Country side.