Bristol City’s forward options have been further boosted after Tommy Conway came through a behind-closed-doors Under-23s friendly against Torquay United.
Five days after Antoine Semenyo played in a similar game, against London-based college Kinetic Academy, following his long absence due to knee issues, Conway has also enjoyed further match minutes in his legs.
The match at the Robins High Performance Centre was hastily arranged after a schedule contest in Failand against a Brentford B-team was cancelled. Conway and Saikou Janneh were the goalscorers as City won 2-1.
Conway underwent ankle surgery in early September but did make a return to training this month ahead of his expected return in December and the 19-year-old looks on track to be part of first-team contention in the coming weeks.
Although not perhaps at the same level of seniority in the squad as Semenyo, Conway does also provide some much needed pace and penetration in attack and of the 10 academy players given their debuts during last season was arguably the most impressive.
The Taunton-born forward scored one goal in five appearances – a smart finish on the run against Millwall - and earned the admiration of manager Nigel Pearson as much for his work rate and diligence out of possession than his impact on the ball.
With Chris Martin, Andi Weimann and Nahki Wells all fit, Conway will find it hard to break into the first-team immediately and even make the bench with fellow teenager Sam Bell part of the matchday 18 for the last four Championship fixtures.
But as the Christmas period approaches and with the volume of games and lack of rest intensifying, could have a role to play towards the end of the year along with Janneh who has looked increasingly influential at U23 level.
Also in action at the Robins High Performance Centre in yesterday’s game was playmaker Kasey Palmer who hasn’t featured in any of City’s last four Championship fixtures.
The 24-year-old has played just 34 minutes since his equalising goal against Fulham on September 25 which arrived just four days after his last appearance in an U23s fixture as City lost 4-1 to Peterborough United.
With Conway, Semenyo and Joe Williams all featuring for the U23s over the last seven days, Nathan Baker pictured in training and hopes that Matty James (foot) and Rob Atkinson (calf) will also be fit to face Blackburn, assistant manager Curtis Fleming - who remains in charge as Nigel Pearson recovers from a Covid-19 related condition - has a number of fresh and welcome selection issues.
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