Bristol City’s plan for Ephraim Yeboah as Nigel Pearson reveals when he could get first Robins start
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Nigel Pearson insists that young Bristol City talent Ephraim Yeboah is ‘in his thoughts’ in regards to starting a first match for the Robins.
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Hide AdThe 17-year-old has made four cameo appearances for City so far this season and has always added an injection of excitement whenever he has been introduced.
Yeboah only signed a first professional contract with the club in July but has since made impressive steps to force himself in and around the first team set-up on a regular basis.
The academy graduate’s temperament and ability to contribute what the team needs in different scenarios has impressed his manager.
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Hide Ad“Certainly, he’s been introduced into games where we’ve fared in different ways in terms of results and he’s coped very well in every situation,” Pearson said. “What does that mean? It means that he is in our thoughts in terms of taking part in games - whether that be as a substitute or as a starter.”
Following City’s 1-0 defeat to Norwich City on Tuesday, the Robins are now without a win in their last three matches in all competitions.
Breaking teams down has proved a challenge for Pearson’s side so far this season, and Yeboah’s raw pace and fearless nature could offer something different down the wing.
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Hide AdPearson continued: “I suppose you can take whatever you want from that. He’s a player that we think will establish himself at this level and it’s about trying to get that challenge right for him. At the moment, he’s doing very well and he will get a start at some point.”
The ex-Leicester City boss has a proven track record of giving young players opportunities, the most obvious example being Alex Scott, who recently completed a £25million move to Premier League side Bournemouth.
Exciting forward Sam Bell is another who has benefitted from Pearson’s willingness to give youth a chance, and Yeboah could be the next.
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Hide Ad“I don’t really worry too much or even care too much about how old young players are in terms of whether that affects their opportunities. We’ll expose him in a way that is right for his development,” he said.
City’s thin squad partnered with five players on their injury list, means that for the time being Pearson is operating with just 17 fit outfield players.
With games coming thick and fast, it’s vital that the manager utilises his squad correctly to try and avoid further injuries.
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Hide AdYeboah’s introduction to the senior side has no doubt been accelerated by the current injury situation, but with the ease with which he has adapted to Championship football, even with a fully fit squad, the teenager could have a big part to play in the coming months.
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