Bristol City player explains why he had to leave Robins for loan with Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Sam Pearson said he had to leave Bristol City for Inverness Caledonian Thistle as he needed a change of scenery.

The 20-year-old was loaned out to the Scottish club last week and made his debut as a substitute in their 1-1 draw with Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday.

Whilst the likes of Alex Scott and Ayman Benarous have pushed their way into the first-team figure, Pearson hasn’t been able to be a part of the youthful revolution in BS3 at the moment.

He made his professional debut against QPR in March 2021, but has only been involved with the Under-23’s this season, unable to build on his breakthrough last season.

“I haven’t been involved in the first team at Bristol City for a while, and I thought I needed a change of scenery, to see new faces and play first team football,” he said to The Inverness Courier.

With the Welshman not in the first-team picture and the opportunity to play senior level football, the Robins were happy to give permission for the move to take place.

For a player who penned a three-year deal and is contracted until the summer of 2024, this provides an opportunity for Pearson to force his way into the first-team picture when he returns.

Caley Thistle could be a good grounding for Pearson given they are emboriled in a title race with Arbroath in the Scottish Championship.

Ultimately, the opportunity of game time is the main reason that he has made the move to the Caledonian Stadium and he is willing to play anywhere.

“That is the main reason I have probably come,” he said.

“Fighting for promotion and the title, and that will be good for me personally if we get promoted and win the title.

“As long as I’m playing I will do a job anywhere. I am more of a winger, I like to dribble and get past the man. But I can play right wing-back, striker, left wing- back. Wherever they want me to play, I’ll do my best.

“I just want what is best for the team, even if I’m on the bench and they’re winning, it wouldn’t bother me as long as the team is winning and getting the result and I can help them in any way I can. I will try and do that.”

As to how the move took place, it showed how fast a transfer can take place and how you can go from one place to another in a split second.

The move transpired quickly with Pearson’s agent receiving interest in the morning and within the next day, he was being jetted off to Scotland.

On Thursday he was then unveiled just after Pearson’s pre-match presser ahead of Cardiff, following the likes of Owura Edwards to depart on loan.

“Thursday morning I got a text from my agent, and he said Inverness were interested, a few hours later I said yeah, the next day I was on a flight over, I met everyone and they welcomed me.

“That night I was on YouTube searching to see how they played, how good they are and opponents as well as looking at the table.”