City targeting new deal for Republic midfielder
LEE Johnson is hoping Callum O’Dowda will sign a new Bristol City contract after saying he sees the Republic of Ireland midfielder as someone who has “huge potential”.
O’Dowda has impressed for the Republic in recent internationals and has been named in their squad for the home friendly against Northern Ireland a week today and for the UEFA Nations League match in Denmark four days later.
O’Dowda has struggled to hold down a starting place with the Robins this season, but head coach Johnson clearly rates him highly.
Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, ahead of Saturday’s home game against Preston, Johnson said: “We’ve been discussing the option of a new contract with Callum for a while, and that’s something for me that I’d like to get nailed down as quickly as possible because I believe Callum’s got huge potential.
“I’m probably the biggest believer of Callum’s potential, but I don’t think he’s hit the heights this season. Probably his best spell was that four or five games last season before his injury.”
Johnson is hoping O’Dowda will follow fellow midfielder Korey Smith in committing his long-term future to the Championship club.
It was announced on Monday that Smith has signed a new deal which will keep him at City until 2020.
Johnson said: “It was brilliant that Korey signed up again, and credit should go to the board and Mark Ashton for that one because they’ve done the right thing.
“He’s one who has put his body on the line for this football club and has created some great moments for Bristol City. He’s got a big value within the squad and it settles him and his family (to have a new contract).”
City will be looking for a return to winning ways when Preston come to Ashton Gate, having lost 3-2 at lowly Reading last weekend.
Full-back Jack Hunt, who came off injured against Reading, looks to have a good chance of being fit for Saturday’s match.
Johnson said: “Jack got injured in training last Wednesday. I think he’s pulled the muscle away from the bone on his seventh rib.
“What happened on Saturday was that he was alright but then made a slide tackle against Reading and felt it.
“We dosed him up with inflammatories afterwards and he trained today no problem.
“Callum O’Dowda was ill today, so we’ll have to see how he is (nearer the weekend).”
Johnson revealed winger Hakeeb Adelaku, the summer signing who has been injured since August, could play a part against Preston, but said centre-back Bailey Wright and goalkeeper Frank Fielding were not ready to return.
He said: “Hakeeb Adelakun is a possibility for Saturday as an impact player, but Bailey Wright is a ‘no’ and hasn’t trained with the squad, while Frank Fielding is very slowly recovering.”