Nigel Pearson sets task for Bristol City journeyman as Premier League winner hailed

Nigel Pearson has praised in-form Bristol City defender Cameron Pring and challenged him to ‘hold down the position himself’.

Pring featured just twice in the Robins’ first 16 EFL Championship matches this season, but following several injury woes at the back has been given his chance and played every minute of their last five league matches.

The 24-year-old netted his side’s third in their 3-1 victory over Rotherham United from left wing-back last weekend, and is in contention to retain a place in the side against Stoke City on Saturday, December 17.

When questioned on Pring’s good form, Pearson replied: “I’m really pleased for him, but again, with Cam Pring the big thing is for him to nail down that position himself. He’s in the side and he deserves to be there.”

Pring’s time at the West Country outfit has been far from straightforward. He signed for the Robins in 2016 but has since had eight loan spells over a four-year period.

The defender has made just 44 appearances for the Robins over an eight-year period, but his manager is grateful that Pring continued to battle to stay at the club.

“Maybe because of his career here so far, he’s been farmed out a number of times on loan, he’s had to work really hard to get back into the system here, but I’m really glad we’ve got him.

“He’s a good athlete, a really good athlete, and his pace and power is a huge asset of his. I’m pleased that he’s able to hold down a place.”

Despite Pring primarily operating as a left wing-back, he has also been used as a centre-back due to injuries to several of the backline in recent months.

Another man who has been occupying a role at the back out of necessity is Andy King. The ex-Leicester City man has provided some much-needed experience and calmness at the back in the absences of some key figures, and Pearson is not surprised at how well he has adapted to the position.

When asked whether King has given Pearson some selection decisions to make following his stellar performances at the heart of defence, the manager replied: “Yeah, but I would expect that from him anyway. He was part of a team that won the Premier League.

“As players get older it’s really important that they use their knowledge and use their experiences and I think what players like Andy King bring to our team is having a coach on the pitch, and that’s really important.

“I mean he is a player-coach anyway but just in terms of game management, he understands what the team needs so I’m really pleased to have him in the squad."