Ex-Everton and Liverpool striker delivers their verdict on Bristol City’s play-off push

Former Everton and Liverpool striker and now ITV and Sky Sports EFL pundit Courtney Sweetman-Kirk says Bristol City are in a healthier position than earlier in the season, as she assesses their play-off prospects.

The Robins secured a third straight win in all competitions as they defeated Norwich City 1-0 at Ashton Gate, thanks to a goal from Mark Sykes. It was a victory that lifted Nigel Pearson's side up to 13th, and they are just seven points off of the top six, whilst ten points separate them from the drop zone.

City haven't yet tasted defeat in the New Year, and have a nine-game unbeaten run, making them one of the in-form teams in the division. A total of 48 points are still left on the board with 16 games remaining, and whilst there are other teams who hold a multi-point lead over them, reaching the top-six is not outside the realms of possibility.

Sweetman-Kirk, a striker for City's Championship rivals Bristol City, who play in the same division as their Women's team, believes that breaking in to the top six will be hard to achieve, but things are improving.

"It's going to be a tough ask but they are definitely looking a lot better," responded Sweetman-Kirk on ITV’s English Football League Highlights show on Saturday when asked if they could make a late push for the play-offs.

"They had a very rough patch earlier on in the season and that was a lot to do with injuries. Sykes is the one in form at the minute, he's got five in his last six in all competitions, and they're finding a forward in form."

City's next match is at home again, as they host struggling Wigan Athletic, on Wednesday, February 15. The Latics defeated relegation rivals Huddersfield Town on the weekend, and are now only in the drop zone because of goal difference.