Liam Manning makes admission on former Manchester City talent after difficult Bristol City spell

Liam Manning insists that there is still potential for Dire Mebude to feature for Bristol City before his loan spell expires at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at the Robins from Belgian side KVC Westerlo and is yet to start a match at City.

With just three matches remaining of the Robins’ Championship campaign, Manning said that it’s still possible that the former Manchester City talent will feature in the remaining games.

“Possibly, anyone who is in the squad is in contention for minutes,” he said.

“We’ve got some training days now with three games left and it’s all on how you train, it’s about smashing doors down to get in the team.”

Mebude has played a combined total of just 44 minutes across three matches from the substitute bench so far for City, but has failed to take his chances effectively.

The tricky winger has also been an unused substitute on 10 occasions since his move in January, including for the last eight consecutive matches.

Before Mebude’s move to Belgium, he played for Man City u21s, where his numbers were impressive.

In the 2022/23 season, he netted 14 goals and provided 15 assists in 34 matches in all competitions.

Manning added: “People are naturally in credit, Sykesy’s been terrific recently so he has to match Sykesy’s level and if not, better it in training. He turns up, he works hard, now it’s about really pushing to take people’s shirts.”

The Robins face Norwich City, Rotherham United and Stoke City in their remaining matches.