GARY Johnson has given Bristol City's new training ground his personal seal of approval.

City's manager presided over a 25-minute-each-way practice match at Failand yesterday and declared the pitches "as good as Ashton Gate".

Built to the same specifications as the playing surface at the Gate, two of the four pitches on the former QEH School playing fields site are now available for use. And City's first-team squad took part in what the manager described as "a very worthwhile session". It was the first time they have used the facilities.

Johnson revealed: "It's absolutely crucial to be able to train on pitches that are the same as the ones you play on, and that's what we now have at Failand.

"The dimensions and the quality of the playing surface are the same as Ashton Gate, which means we can now practice the same as we play on a Saturday. We had a really hard and sharp session and the pitches played perfectly. They are very, very nice. Considering all the rain we've had, the drainage held up brilliantly."

City will eventually move their entire training operation from their current headquarters at Abbots Leigh to Failand, where work has already commenced on building a new clubhouse and dressing rooms.

Johnson said: "The new facilities are far better than anything we've had before and a lot of people have put a lot of hard work into the project.

"I would personally like to thank Steve Lansdown (chairman), Colin Sexstone (chief executive) and the City Foundation for the part they have played in giving us this superb new facility."

An official opening is planned for later this year and City Foundation members will be invited to attend.

Midfielder Marvin Elliott came through yesterday's practice match, his first since recovering from the knee injury which has prevented him appearing for City so far this season.

Cole Skuse also proved his fitness after limping out of last weekend's Championship clash against QPR with a bruised foot, while Academy product Jordan Walker featured for the first time since pre-season.

But defenders Jamie McAllister and Andy Webster continue to train on their own while they recover from ankle and calf problems respectively.