Alex Scott hails Bristol City summer signing as ‘real leader’ after Cheltenham showing

Alex Scott has hailed the signing of Kal Naismith from Luton Town as he begins his pre-season with Bristol City.

Scott arrived back later than usual to the High Performance Centre after playing his part in England’s Under-19’s success.

The 18-year-old helped the young Three Lions to the U19 EURO title, following in the foot steps of fellow Robins first-team player Jay Dasilva.

He’s now back in Bristol and has his own personal programme designed to help prepare him for the season opener against Hull City on Saturday, July 30.

Scott missed the friendly against Cheltenham Town and instead took to the commentary position, adding insight into his England exploits, as well as his thoughts on the team.

One player that stood out to him is new recruit Naismith, who was signed for free from Championship rivals Luton.

“I think Kal looks like a real leader, he’s very vocal speaking to all of the lads on the pitch,” he said.

“Kal is a top player. We know that he will bring something else to this team I think. He seems like a vocal lad in and around the changing room. It will only help us going forward this season.”

The Scotland international wasn’t the only player making his first outing in a City shirt with both Kane Wilson and Mark Sykes also starting.

Wilson, starting as a right wing-back, which is where Scott was deployed a few times last season, impressed in the first half.

He put in a number of testing crosses and almost opened his account for the club having gone near with an attempted shot.

The summer signing from Forest Green Rovers earned rave reviews and looks set to compete with George Tanner for a starting berth.

Scott said: “Kane was the best player on the pitch throughout the first-half. He’s shown a lot energy, he’s very direct at wing-back, it’s a massive credit for him coming up two divisions into the Championship.

“You need to give him credit for what he has done and hopefully he can push on and have a really good season with us.

“Sykesy doesn’t look out of place at all which is good baring in mind he’s making the step up as well.”

As well as new signings, midfielder Andy King has stayed around and recently signed a new deal to keep him at the club.

The Wales international midfielder has taken his first steps into coaching and has agreed to a player-coach role, which will see him juggle his playing commitments with some coaching duties.

It is expected that King will remain a key part of the first-team squad and it will be an opportunity for him to test the waters.

He has already though drawn multiple praise from a lot of the younger players of the squad for the advice he has given them, having won the Premier League, Championship and League One title in his career.

“Kingy has been brilliant for us young lads especially,” he said. The experience he has in the Championship and in the Premier League, he’s key for us.

“He speaks to us all the time and the young lads are proper close with him. In his new role now it is going to be even better with the way he is going to be implementing into coaching, I’m excited for the season.”

Nahki Wells’ future has remained uncertain amidst interest from Championship clubs this summer, but so far no move has materialised.

Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City all reportedly ant the striker but aren’t willing to pay a transfer fee for him with a year remaining on his contract.

The Bermuda international endured a tough spell last season having played second fiddle to Chris Martin and Antoine Semenyo and had to feed off of cameos off the bench.

Wells started against Cheltenham in the absence of Semenyo, who is expected to miss the start of the campaign.

In a bid to prove his worth last season, the 32-year-old played for Alex Ball’s development side and that earned him respect in the eyes of the Guernsey midfielder.

Scott said: “Nahki is a massive professional. He’s always playing with a smile on his face, he doesn’t want to be playing Under-23’s, he wants to be starting every game for us. When he gets asked to do that and gets on with it.

“You can see the talent, he’s a great pro and like Kingy he’s great with the young lads. Him and Tommy (Conway) are always on one another about who’s doing the best finishing in training and stuff.”

Scott’s success with England recently has made for a whirlwind two years for the teenager who has seen his stock grow rapidly.

He was playing in the non-league as a 16-year-old for Guernsey and just a year later found himself on the books of a Championship club and getting first-team football.

After 38 appearances in the league last year, he could be viewed as a certified first-team player and was grateful of the opportunity given to him by Nigel Pearson.

As to how the manager dealt with him playing for England, he spoke of the high spirits he was in and the deight it was to see him once again.

Scott revealed: “I think the Gaffer left it a bit and then all the staff here were getting in touch with me. I spoke to the manager when I arrived today and he was buzzing.

“It was nice to see him again as it has been a few weeks since I have seen him. He seems in good spirits which is good for us going forward this season.”