Liam Manning makes bold Scott Twine prediction and hints at Bristol City's secret weapon

Liam Manning says Scott Twine will only improve and insisted the midfielder’s set-piece ability can be a vital weapon for the Robins this season.

Twine netted City's equaliser against the Hornets on Saturday to mark his debut with a bang, after his loan move from Burnley was confirmed on Monday.

Manning was consistent about wanting to add a creative spark to his armoury this window, and is delighted with the signing of the 24-year-old.

"It's not often you're able to get someone who's started 20 plus games in the Championship for a team that have consistently been in the top 10 and around us. To be able to take him off someone we are in direct competition with is a real positive," Manning said.

"I don’t want to ramp up a crazy amount of pressure on him, but he's only going to get better."

The attacking midfielder made a nervy start but grew into the game against the Hornets, his brave header after 25 minutes will be a moment to remember for Twine, even if his manager is doubtful that the ball struck his forehead.

“It was his first header I think in his career, genuinely, having worked with him and seeing a lot of his goals. It was either off of his head or his nose, I'm not sure, but right place right time.

"And his eyes were shut!" The manager jokingly added.

"I thought we saw flashes from him today, first half where he’s picking things up and trying little diagonals over defenders heads and second half, how he linked the counterattacks.

"It was pleasing, that and the set piece deliveries, the speed and consistency of it doesn’t surprise me and we had a few chances off of it today."

Twine’s set-piece deliveries were especially impressive. As City chased a winner, he sent in several dangerous corners which almost unlocked the Watford defence as Rob Dickie and Jason Knight came close to netting.

The midfielder's set pieces looked like the most likely avenue to a winning goal, and Manning believes his deadball ability will be a big asset to City this season.

"That’s off of 15 minutes from doing it yesterday, that’s all the time we've had to work on it," he said.

"Even then it was a quick run through, the attacking free kicks we probably spent 10 minutes on so the fact that we've got some time on the grass this week to work will be hugely welcomed for all of us, hopefully, things will go from strength to strength."