Bristol City summer signing gives positive update on comeback from injury

Kane Wilson is closing in on a return to Bristol City after featuring for the Under-21's in their Premier League Cup win over Everton on Sunday.

Goals from Sebastian Palmer-Holden and Sam Pearson put the Robins through to the quarter-finals, after topping a group with Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in it. Pearson is currently on loan at League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon but is allowed to play for his parent club as it is not considered a competitive match. The Wales Under-21's striker was not involved with Wimbledon's last match, with former Robins striker Saikou Janneh, ahead of him in the pecking order.

Nigel Pearson revealed on Thursday that Wilson could feature against the young Toffees on Sunday, and he was given a 65-minute outing by Ali Hines, as he stepped up his recovery. It was the first time that summer signing Wilson had played in a match, after suffering a knee injury against Queens Park Rangers in October.

Wilson, who joined from Forest Green Rovers on a free transfer, underwent surgery after jarring his knee and a time-frame of four-months was put on him. He began grass work at the High Performance Centre earlier this month, and has now made a massive stride towards getting back into consideration for a place with the seniors with his appearance.

After turning out for the young Robins, he tweeted: "Day 125. Felt so good to pull a football kit on again! Well done to the boys as well, getting into the next round."

Andrew Proctor, lead physiotherapist at the club added: "Buzzing to see @_KaneWilson5 back in action today. Been a long hard journey, especially with @lewisbinnsMSST helping you."

Despite making four league appearances for City, Wilson has yet to make a start for them in the Championship. Wilson's return to action will provide cover at right-back as well as competition for George Tanner, who has been first choice since Boxing Day. Andi Weimann, Mark Sykes and Zak Vyner can all cover Tanner's position, but in Sykes and Weimann's case are preferred in a more attacking role, whilst Vyner has cemented himself at centre-back.

As for when Wilson could play again, if he is not involved against Norwich City on the weekend, City's Under-21's play away at QPR on Monday, February 13. They are currently top of the Professional Development League, though Millwall have a game in hand.