Bristol City youngster returns after loan at Inverness and is given compassionate leave after bereavement

Bristol City youngster Sam Pearson has been given compassionate leave following his return to the club after a close family bereavement.

The 20-year-old was recalled from his loan at Scottish Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle and will be given time to spend away from football.

A statement by City on Friday afternoon read: “Sam has been granted compassionate leave as we support him through this difficult time. Our sympathies are with Sam and his family.

“We would like to thank Inverness Caledonian Thistle for their care and consideration for Sam and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”

Pearson’s loan club Inverness themselves released their own statement that supported the youngster through this period and praised him for his service, it said: "Sam conducted himself exceptionally well in both training and during matches and we obviously wish Sam and his family all the best in the future and thank him for his efforts while here at the club.

"We also thank the relevant Bristol City staff for their professionalism throughout our dealings with the club and we hope they can finish their season well."

During his time with the Scottish highlands side, he made eight appearances and scored one goal.

Pearson has made five appearances for the City first-team and is also a Wales Under-21 international.

He played on Tuesday afternoon against Bulgaria at Newport County’s Rodney Parade and scored the equalising goal for Paul Bodin’s side.