Nigel Pearson keeps door open for out-of-favour players to force their way into plans

Nigel Pearson says the door remains open for players to force his way into the Bristol City first-team.
Nigel Pearson says those not in his plans can get back into the first-team picture. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Nigel Pearson says those not in his plans can get back into the first-team picture. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Nigel Pearson says those not in his plans can get back into the first-team picture. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The likes of Danny Simpson, Kasey Palmer and Nahki Wells have recently found themselves either on the fringe of the first-team or exiled completely.

Wells had been linked with a move to Cardiff City as well as Palmer on deadline day whilst Simpson hasn’t appeared in a Robins shirt since October.

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But with the January transfer window shut in England, the opportunity for any player to leave is with a club from abroad.

Despite there being a settled squad right now with minimal changes to how City line up, there is still a route back into the first-team fold for those currently out of favour.

“The door has never been closed on anybody,” said Pearson.

“I try to be as open with players, even if it is bad news. You’re better off being blunt with people. There’s no point beating around the bush with bad news, you get straight to the point.

“I always try to be as fair as I can be but it doesn’t always mean that fairness feels the same for everybody it doesn’t.

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“We’re gonna need everybody on board that we have at the moment. I suppose the one benefit is that the window is shut so there is no escape now.”

Experienced defender Danny Simpson recently made a return to action. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)Experienced defender Danny Simpson recently made a return to action. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Experienced defender Danny Simpson recently made a return to action. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Most recently, Jay Dasilva played his way back into the side after waiting almost three months for his next appearance, though he has taken his opportunity well.

His recent return into the side which has seen him start a number of games, could provide some motivation for the experienced trio.

Both Simpson and Wells featured for the under-23’s team against Cardiff City on Tuesday afternoon at the High Performance Centre.

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Simpson captained the side whilst Wells led the line and the latter scored a brace in front of both Pearson and his assistant coach Curtis Fleming.

Asked whether it was their decision to play for Alex Ball’s side, Pearson said: “They need pitch time, both of them. If players are coming off the bench in a first-team game and have no game time, it is in their own interests to play.

“So for Nahki and for Danny, Tommy Conway, Sam Bell and Ayman,they all needed pitch time as they haven’t had a lot recently. It’s just common sense.

“Even though under-23’s games aren’t the same as Championship games, there is still a competitiveness and organisational side of a structured game that is different to training.

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“Regardless of which way round it was, it doesn’t matter. I think they acquitted themselves very well, they all recognised they needed pitch time.”

“They needed a game. They needed pitch time. It’s like conditioning, you can do physical conditioning but match conditioning, you’re getting matches. Those players need it.”

One player whose future though has been decided, James Morton has suffered a torrid time with injury and was making his first appearance for over six months.

He had been due to join Milton Keynes Dons but following the exit of Russell Martin to Swansea City, the move broke down.

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The 22-year-old then suffered a knee injury that has seen him have a long-lay off from football.

He made a welcomed return on Tuesday, playing just over an hour before playing replaced by Tommy Blackwell.

Despite his return of action, his future is expected to be away from B36 with the City boss encouraging him to find opportunities elsewhere.

“He’s currently not in the first-team squad if you want a straight answer. He’s not there and I’ve spoken to him at length about his own scenario,” said Pearson.

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“It’s been frustrating for him as he needs to be playing first-team football somewhere now. He’s a decent footballer, a really good lad and he’s had a frustrating time with injury.

“Hopefully he can find himself somewhere at some point. It’s a waste of somebody’s talent to not be playing first-team football at the level that is right for them.”

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