Football Holden’s limited choice

BRISTOL City head coach Dean Holden has a fairly easy job regarding selecting the 18 players to face Bournemouth tomorrow night.

Because he probably only has 18 players fit to head to the Vitality Stadium, for a first meeting between the two sides since 2007 in League One.

Holden explained at the weekend that with Andi Weimann and Steven Sessegnon withdrawing during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City, with an injured knee and a hamstring knock respectively, it means he is down to the bare bones for his next Championship fixture.

If neither recover quickly then it will be just enough to make the first-choice XI and seven subs. If both are out, and with Liam Walsh, Joe Williams and Nathan Baker all ruled out until after the next international break (November 14 weekend), then City may have to call up an Under-23s player to the bench, with Ryley Towler or Vincent Harper as possible young players to travel with the senior players.

Yesterday, rumours were growing that City were considering looking at the free-agents market, with former Middlesbrough and Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton a name said to be under consideration.

However, the Bristol Post understands the club has no plans to bring in any further players as things stand.

The Robins are awaiting the second scan results from Alfie Mawson’s knee injury, suffered against Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening in the club’s only defeat of the season. While City do not rule out going into the market if the Fulham player is out for a long period of time, the expectation is that City will stick to what they’ve got.

A year ago, the Robins brought in Wales captain Ashley Williams who had an immediate impact and played 32 league appearances, and who remains out of contract. But City will resist that avenue and any other similar paths unless it becomes a necessity due to injury, because they believe in their playing squad.

Tommy Rowe and even Tyreeq Bakinson played in the back three during pre-season and could fill in if needed.

Holden is due to give an update on his squad today.