Speedy Sproule can still improve

Ivan Sproule's pace has caused fear among Championship defenders, and is now the talk of the training ground.

Now the quick feet of the former Hibs man have led to Scott Murray, Bristol City's resident joker, offering his services as an agent should Sproule ever decide to hang up his boots and take up a career in track and field.

Arguably the quickest player anywhere in the Football League, the Northern Ireland international demonstrated his searing pace last week when out-stripping Southampton's defence to score what must surely rank as one of the most memorable goals seen at Ashton Gate in many a long year.

No wonder Murray realised the potential for mischief when newcomer Izzy Iriekpen foolishly claimed he could beat Sproule over 100 metres.

Having persuaded Iriekpen to issue a challenge to the flying Irishman, Murray was quick to arrange an impromptu training ground race, no doubt seizing the opportunity to make some handy bets along the way.

Of course, the former Swansea defender was no match for Sproule, who kept his rival at bay to confirm his standing as the fastest player on the Ashton Gate staff.

"Izzy reckoned he could take me and the other lads were quick to set it up," revealed Sproule. "I don't want to name names, but Scott Murray was involved somewhere along the line.

"At first, the physios put a stop to it, telling us it was too near to the game and that we might be injured. But then the gaffer (Gary Johnson) became involved and he gave it the go-ahead.

"Izzy never really had a chance and he should have known that. But Scotty was very happy with himself and offered to become my agent and hire me out to race all-comers. Maybe I'll tell him 'yes' and we can make a living from it when we finish with football!"

On a serious note, Sproule's pace separates him from the run-of-the-mill footballer, suggesting he could hold his own in the Premier League.

Although he has emerged as the player with most goal assists at City this season, Sproule is still to score the volume of goals required to catch the eye of bigger clubs.

He admits: "I still have to work hard on the other parts of my game, because there is room for improvement.

"As for my pace, it's something I've been blessed with all of my life. I think it runs in the family, because my father was a very keen sportsman and was always quick around a football pitch.

"My younger brother is making a name for himself playing football for Portadown back home and he's no slouch either.

"I always loved athletics as a kid and I played rugby union on the wing where I could use my pace to score tries. It was when I went to secondary school that I knew I'd have to make a choice and I eventually opted for football.

"But my pace has always been my greatest asset. I've never clocked myself over 100 metres and, to be fair, it's other people who say I'm one of the quickest players in the league.

"Every single player has something different to bring to the game and one man's strength is another man's weakness. We have a good mix of abilities at City and my role is to use my pace to get behind defenders."

Sproule has been criticised in some quarters for a perceived lack of end product and is eager to silence his detractors.

"I've left myself open to criticism in the past and I'm not arrogant enough to think I'm the finished article," confides the Irishman.

"That's why I always listen to advice when it comes my way and it's why I work hard in training every day to improve my game."