Bristol City may have dropped a team selection hint ahead of Reading Championship clash

Han-Noah Massengo is seemingly unlikely to be a part of Bristol City's 18-man squad for their Championship match with Reading at the Madesjki Stadium.

The 20-year-old was included for the second time this week, in the starting line-up of the Under-21's team, as one of their more leading experienced players. Massengo is not carrying an injury and has been named in the squad in a bid that will at least help him preserve his match fitness.

Nigel Pearson held a discussion with him yesterday in which the player said he would be available when called upon by him. The 59-year-old however is seemingly going to consider different options for the match against the Royals. Joe Williams, Matty James and Alex Scott played in a flat midfield three in the win against the Baggies with Andi Weimann a surprise name amongst the substitutes. Andy King was the other central midfield option on the bench whilst Dylan Kadji has been included on several occasions, making cameo appearances.

Massengo's lack of commitment to a new deal has affected Pearson's ability to choose him with the former Leicester City manager prioritising those whose contracts run beyond the summer. City did not receive an offer for him despite speculation about a return to France.

"We’ve got players here who have committed their futures to the club, so I think it’s fair to say those players are ahead of Han-Noah," admitted Pearson who may still include him in his plans on a needs-must basis.

"I would not think twice about including him, selecting him, if we need him and if a game suits. There’s no secret."

As for the Under-21's, two changes were made from the team that defeated QPR at Ashton Gate on Tuesday to preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign which was lost today. City's youngsters are top of the pile with a four-point lead over second-placed Millwall who have a game in hand.

The Young Robins played the West London side on the same day as the seniors trip to West Brom, which completely ruled out Massengo's involvement. In a quick turn-around, City have travelled to Suffolk to face Ipswich in the Professional Development League Two with the ex-Monaco midfielder included.

In the other change, Josey Casa-Grande has come in for Massengo's compatriot Stefan Bajic, who has yet to make a senior match-day squad. Bajic was injured upon his summer arrival on a free transfer but has since recovered and played for the Under-21's, keeping several clean sheets. He travelled to Blackburn Rovers away to provide support in the warm-ups and could travel with the squad to Berkshire tomorrow to at least experience the feeling of being amongst the first-team.

Centre-back Jamie Knight-Lebel - who City want to sign to a professional deal - was the other change with Elijah Morrison dropping to the bench.