Bristol City’s worst kept secret to be unleashed on Man City in Premier League audition

Nigel Pearson says that Alex Scott is capable of playing in the Premier League as the Bristol City star prepares for the challenge of Manchester City.

The Citizens are the Robins’ opponents on Tuesday night at Ashton Gate, and it is arguably the biggest game of the short but so far whirlwind career of the 19-year-old. As a 16-year-old, Scott was playing for Guernsey in the lower levels of English football and now he could brush shoulders against the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and World Cup winner Julian Alvarez.

Scott, who had been given the ‘Guernsey Grealish’ nickname may face the England international Jack, tomorrow evening and will be seen as one of the players who could cause problems for the visitors. His manager has described him as a ‘unique’ talent previously and believes that his star will one day play regularly against the likes of Man City.

“Hopefully very well, technically he is a really good player,” he responded when asked how Scott might fare against Pep Guardiola’s expensively assembled side.

“It’s very difficult for me to give you an answer that is going to be accurate because the reality is we don’t know. I think he is capable of playing in the Premier League for sure, and he is certainly a bright prospect.”

Amongst Football League circles, Scott is considered the best young player in the Championship. George Elek and Ali Maxwell from Not The Top 20 Podcast, chose 21 best players across the Championship, League One and League Two for Sky Sports and it was Scott who came out on top, with his teammate Tommy Conway not far behind.

Against Manchester City, Scott has the chance to show a new audience of what his game is all about. Much of the Championship is aware of him and against Preston North End earlier this month the opposition fans were in aware of his ability. Fans of Man City and for the neutrals who show their nose at lower league football, this is a real opportunity to show them what to expect, as it is a case of rather when instead of if Scott will play in the Premier League.

“No, it’s not a very well-kept secret anyway? chuckled Pearson when asked if he was worried if a strong performance from Scott could accelerate a move away from the club.

“It is his second season, he’s been one of our best performers over the two years. At 19, he has really developed hugely over the last two seasons, I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to the game.

“He’s been performing very well now this season and last season. For a teenager to go out there and be one of the best players over a sustained period of time, even if it hasn’t been reported in the national press, clubs will be very well aware of what he is.

“We want to keep our best players wherever possible, it becomes increasingly difficult when players play at the sort of levels he has over a sustained period.”

In the build-up to the match, Scott was linked with a move to Carabao Cup runners-up Newcastle United, who have joined the reported dozen of Premier League clubs who have him on their shortlist. The Magpies are said to be open to loaning him back to City, who have played an influential role in his development.

For a player that has still has five months left of his teenage years, Scott has had to grow up quicker than the vast majority of other teenagers. It’s been more than a year since there was interest from clubs in the English top-flight, and thankfully he has been able to block out the speculation and deliver top performances from the pressure and expectation that has been placed on him.

“He’s very mature, he’s very measured and he’s got a good sense of humour too,” Pearson said. I think those types of qualities are also what sets top players apart.

“I don’t have any doubts that he will go and play at the top but he’s dealt with it okay so far, and if he doesn’t his teammates will bring him into line, don’t worry about that.”