‘Outstanding’ – Bristol City boss picks out brilliant duo after Sunderland win

Liam Manning heaped praise on Bristol City duo Max O'Leary and George Tanner following the Robins' 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Ashton Gate.

The former made a string of key saves in the second period while Tanner coped with the Black Cats' tricky winger Jack Clarke with a minimum of fuss.

As Mike Dodds' team piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, both Luke O'Nien and Jobe Bellingham went close with two towering headers, but O'Leary produced a couple of excellent saves which proved crucial.

"I thought he was outstanding," Manning said. "Not just the saves, but his composure, how controlled he is emotionally, because if you have someone who is an emotional wreck behind you then that severely affects the team.

"The control he shows is massive and I said it to the players afterwards, we need people to step up and produce wow moments and big actions in games and he's done that today."

O'Leary might have stolen the show with a brave display in the City goal, but Manning was also keen to heap praise on Tanner as well.

“I thought he did a terrific job against a high-level, in-form winger," he said. "George stood up to his threats well.

"He was extremely disappointed at Huddersfield but me and Hoggy sat down with him this week and gave him a bit of confidence about how good he could be."

Tanner signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract at BS3 in March and Manning made it clear just how much belief he has in the ex-Manchester United prospect.

"I think defensively he's up there with the best in the league. His one against one defending is outstanding and he just needs to start believing now that he can push on to the next level."