McInnes will give Bristol City squad their chance
Bristol City manager Derek McInnes says he will seek a replacement for injured left-back Greg Cunningham from within his existing squad.
Carried off on a stretcher midway through the second half of Tuesday's 2-1 Championship victory over Peterborough at London Road, Republic of Ireland international Cunningham has sustained serious ankle ligament damage and could be out of action for at least a month.
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Bristol City boss Derek McInnes
His absence leaves City short of defensive cover ahead of Saturday's Championship showdown against Watford at Vicarage Road and McInnes, already seeking to bring in a centre-back on loan, may decide to recruit a short-term replacement.
But City's manager insists he will first attempt to plug the gaps created by injuries to Cunningham and influential midfielder Cole Skuse, who also damaged an ankle at Peterborough, from within.
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He said: "I'm not entirely sure (about a loan) at the minute. We will see if we can come up with the answers from within our own squad.
"We will look to those players who are already here first and foremost and then see how things go from there."
At least McInnes has a number of options following a hectic summer of transfer activity at Ashton Gate.
Providing Mark Wilson is fully recovered from the hamstring strain that ruled him out of the last two games, he could return at right-back with fellow Scot Richard Foster switching to the left side of defence.
Alternatively, McInnes may prefer to keep disruption to a minimum by handing Joe Bryan only his second Championship start and retaining Foster at right-back.
Still just 18, Academy product Bryan is a naturally left-sided player and he certainly did not look out of place when deputising for Cunningham for the final 20 minutes at London Road on Tuesday.
McInnes has certainly not ruled out promoting the youngster to the starting line-up for the game at Vicarage Road this Saturday.
He added: "Young Joe Bryan came in and did an excellent job.
"We have earmarked him as cover for the left-back position and this might just be an opportunity for him to step in.
"It is not always easy going on and getting to the pitch of the game, but I thought he did that really well.
"He moved his feet well, he won a couple of headers and he played with an assurance, which is pleasing.
"It is an indication that, if I have to turn to him, I can be confident he will do a good job."
Skuse is expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks and Marvin Elliott, recalled to City's Championship starting line-up midweek for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon in February, is expected to retain his place against Watford.
Relegated to the substitutes' bench against Peterborough, Albert Adomah did well enough after coming on at half-time to suggest he will start at Vicarage Road.
Comments
by AussieGeorge
Thursday, September 20 2012, 10:42PM
“DaveinSA - My thoughts entirely, give the youngsters a go, they are fit and hungry and in a side with new confidence, who knows how good they may turn out to be.”
by DaveinSA
Thursday, September 20 2012, 1:07PM
“I like the fact that Joe Bryan and Wilson got a run. If they are good enough, these guys need a run in the team. Yes they might well make mistakes, but they will learn. Fergie just got that young lad powell from Crewe and there he is making his debut in the prem AND scoring.
For me, it's not about the age, it's about the ability”
by piledriver
Thursday, September 20 2012, 11:02AM
“I wonder where the trusted source got this from?
As it's an away game and we need to be solid, I'd bring in Nyatanga at LB.Nothing going forward but we can set up solid to start and it might not be a great idea to have two youngsters in the back four at Vicarage Rd. That being said, Joe deserves a chance so it's a difficult one.
Wilson may come in at RB with Foster replacing Skuse on the right side in front of him with Albert on the bench, coming on as an impact player.
If both lads are out for a month that's a lot better than I feared on Tuesday night.
Still need the first ball CB although Wilson should keep his place.”
by Braap
Thursday, September 20 2012, 10:05AM
“Apart from LB and CB the squad has depth.
Good work Derek.”