Western Daily Press (Saturday)
City full of confidence, defender Kalas says
TOMAS Kalas is determined to bring the winning feeling back to Ashton Gate tomorrow. Bristol City begin their December fixtures by hosting Millwall, having put an end to their run of defeats in midweek with a 3-2 victory on the road at Ipswich.
City’s last home win came against Hull in October but they now have chance to secure back-to-back wins, with confidence high in the camp.
Defender Kalas told the official club website: “The result against Ipswich gave us even more confidence as we had confidence before. Even when we played Leeds we knew we were playing as a team.
“Now we are playing even more as a team after coming back from losing position twice (against Ipswich).
“It’s been a long time since we last played a home,” he continued. “It is always special to play at home, the fans push you to better results and it is a shame we haven’t done that for them too many times. Hopefully after the Ipswich match, it is the perfect opportunity to give them the winning feeling back.”
And Kalas hopes to continue his personal good form against Millwall going this weekend – last season with Fulham the centre-back kept clean sheets in both league fixtures (won 1-0 and 3-0).
He said: “I’ve played a few games against Millwall, all have been positive results. Last time I won 3-0 and I assisted a goal so that is a nice memory. From what we all know Millwall are also built on team spirit. They are not easy to break down, they stick together and also fight for each other.”
Frank Fielding, meanwhile, was set to make his return between the sticks for City’s Under-23s last night.
The City goalkeeper has been out of action after injuring his hip flexor, followed by viral meningitis.
Fielding recently returned to training and was due to get minutes under his belt for Luke Williams’ development squad, who faced Derby in the Premier League Cup.
Elsewhere, Liam Walsh had a knee scan yesterday with City head coach Lee Johnson saying he “will have to see” before making a decision on his midfielder. Josh Brownhill is available for selection this Sunday after serving his one-game ban.
Marley Watkins and Callum O’Dowda have both resumed full training, with club captain Bailey Wright, who recently featured for the under-23s, edging closer to full fitness himself. Midfielder Korey Smith continues his rehab.
Manager Jack Ross is optimistic Josh Maja will sign a new contract at Sunderland.
The striker has been in fine form this season and has been linked with a January move to Bristol City.
The 19-year-old is out of contract in the summer.