Bristol City must manage expectations of Alex Scott after season that attracted interest from Leeds & Tottenham

Nigel Pearson says expectations levels about Bristol City’s boy wonder Alex Scott must be managed this season.

The 18-year-old had an impressive breakthrough season for the Robins, featuring regularly in a transitional season for the club.

In what was his first full season in professional football after breaking through in the Guernsey first-team, Scott accumulated 39 appearances in total in his first Championship campaign.

His four goals and two assists, both as a centre midfielder and as a makeshift wing-back, made for a terrific first year at Ashton Gate.

Scott’s performances have not gone amiss with reported interest from both Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur, though no solid offer has come in for him.

But whilst last season was impressive by the standards of a young hungry teenager, Scott’s club boss Pearson will try to manage the expectations of the youngster to further his progress.

Pearson said: “I think it’s important to try and manage people’s expectations of young players. My expectations of younger players are that second seasons can be more difficult sometimes.

“I don’t want people all of a sudden expect him to be better and better all the time but there is a possibility he will be better all the time which is why people are talking about him.”

He is currently away on international duty with England’s Under-19 squad, as one of only three players to not be involved in a Premier League academy.

Scott started in the two wins against Serbia and Israel earning rave reviews, whilst he also came on as a substitute in the opener against Austria.

His two performances have put him in contention to start in Tuesday’s (June 28), EURO semi-final with Italy with international glory a real possibility.

“He’s just a talented lad. I don’t know whether it’s a testament to anything other than we recognise he’s a talent,” Pearson said.

“His breakthrough season was pretty exceptional to play 38 games in a Championship season is quite impressive.

“He was on the periphery on the back end of the season before. I think he only came to us in March of 2021, so he’s only really been a professional footballer for a short period of time.”