‘A fitting reward’ - Nigel Pearson hails Bristol City star after long-awaited international call-up

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson believes Andi Weimann’s first international call-up in seven years shows how far the Austrian forward has improved this season.

The former Aston Villa forward has been in eye-catching form for the Robins during the campaign after he plundered his way to 18 goals in 40 games in all competitions.

That led to a first international call-up since he appeared as a late substitute in Austria’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia in a friendly in March 2015.

Weimann made his international comeback as he came off the bench in his side’s 2-1 World Cup play-off defeat in Wales on Thursday and then earned his 16th cap as a substitute in Tuesday’s friendly draw with Scotland.

Pearson believes the striker has received a fitting reward for his hard work and improved performances as he continues to be a key player for the Robins.

He said: “It’s a fitting reward for the amount of positive work Andi has done this season and I think it’s a very positive thing that his country has recognised that.

“I am pleased for Andi, it’s been a long time since he was last involved with the national side and it’s recognition for a very positive season on his own behalf.

“He’s got a good chance of that (reaching 20 goals for the season) because he’s always in games and the other positive thing for us this season is his availability.

“Bearing in mind last season, he suffered a really serious injury, so to have him available for the majority of the season so far, and hopefully the entirety of it, is testament to how hard he has worked in terms of his recovery.

“It speaks volumes about his capacity to deliver on the pitch in terms of work-rate, and this season in particular, the amount of goals he has scored and been involved in.”

Weimann will be back in the City squad for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth as he looked to move past the 20-goal mark for the season.