"We're still actively talking" - Lee Johnson updates on Callum O'Dowda's Bristol City contract talks Robins still hope to convince the Republic of Ireland winger to pen fresh terms Bristol City grabbed a point on Saturday through Tommy Rowe's second goal of the season. The former Doncaster Rovers captain guided a great cross from Callum O'Dowda into the far corner, with the Irishman beating former City transfer target Anfernee Dijksteel before setting up the 81st minute equaliser. "Steered home beautifully," shrieked the Sky Sports commentators, with the game going to 2-2 and ending that way. And following the match we asked head coach Lee Johnson on how O'Dowda is doing currently and whether there might yet be an outcome to negotiations on the 24-year-old's future - with his current deal at Ashton Gate ending next summer. "Obviously we want to still try and resolve that and we will see how that pans out," said Johnson in the post-match press conference. "We are still actively talking and in my opinion he should stay and he should sign. "And then crack on and really develop his career from that base where a club likes him, supports him and wants him to do well," said Johnson. The international break comes at a good time for Bristol City with another two injuries collected in Saturday's game: with Han-Noah Massengo suffering an ankle knock and Jack Hunt a back spasm. The next fortnight should enable some vital rest and recuperation, however. And not just for the players. "Yes, it’s a good time and it does become intense for all of us, even the small things like the lads moving into their accommodation, obviously we have a few [players] on international duty as well, even some that haven’t been playing so it gives them some games which is good," explained the Bristol City head coach, in agreement. "It gives me a bit of a three or four day rest because my break hasn’t been too good because of all the amount of transfer activity that we had to go through. "And Mark Ashton should get himself away for three or four days and manage to book himself a short stay away," said Johnson. 'I love it here' - Niclas Eliasson discusses unbeaten run, doing the dirty work and his future after Middlesbrough hold Bristol City The winger picked up another assist Niclas Eliasson showed he is a true all-rounder in Bristol City's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. Not only did he provide five chances in the first half alone, but he didn't shy away from the dirty work as he made six tackles in the match at Ashton Gate - more than any other player. The winger demonstrated once again he is a dead-eye for a pinpoint cross as he picked out Kasey Palmer for his second assist of the season. That goal made it 1-0 to the home side, who would eventually have to settle for a point thanks to a late Tommy Rowe header after a resurgent second half from Boro. An own goal from Taylor Moore and a fine finish from Britt Assombalonga put paid to the Robins' hopes of extending their three-game winning run. The 23-year-old Swede spoke to Bristol Live after the match. Here's what he had to say. Niclas, What's the mood in the dressing room after that one? "Of course we started the game 1-0 up and they went 2-1 up so we got back to get one point at least. "Of course disappointing that you want to get the three points at home always but I thought we showed good character to come back and get the point, so it was alright." Happy to continue the unbeaten run? "We had three wins in a row and then we got a draw today so I think it's been a good start to the seasons so far and now it's coming into the international break where we can rest up and work hard to get ready for the next one." You had the most tackles as well as the most chances created today, are you happy to do dirty work as well? "Yeah I think that's a big part of the game as well, especially in this league where it's tough, so you need to do all the bits to be helping the team as much as possible." What do you need to do now to nail down starting place? "I think I just need to keep doing what I've done today, work hard, create chances, get assists and goals and then basically just keep working hard and show the manager what I can do." You're into the last year of your contract, where do you see your long term future? "I love it here, it's a great club, a great city as well so I'm really happy. "I'm not thinking that much about the future, I'm just working hard and I've still got a contract with Bristol City. I'm just working hard to help the team and get three points every game." https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/were-still-actively-talking-lee-3272128 https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport...s/niclas-eliasson-bristol-city-future-3271237
Very tempting to say flog O'Dowda if he is unwilling to sign, clear him out quickly and offer Eliasson an extension but they are obviously both quality players and we need them both, MA and LJ have to walk a careful line on this one, we need to keeep all of the quality we can if we wish to continue to progress. The other side of the coin is we have sold Reid, Bryan, Flint, Webster, Kelly and Pack recently and we have still managed to retain our quality levels, maybe O'Dowda should be aware one man does not make a team and consider his future with a bit more thought.
I actually think that CoD has seen these players go to a higher level and is thinking why not me, after all, I’m the only International amongst that bunch. Perhaps he thinks we cannot match his ambition if we continue selling our best players - you can bet that’s what his agent is telling him!
well at last he has signed, I WONDER HOW much his being picked for the international squad but not used influenced him? I think Lee's approach of not "dumping him" but giving him game time was the right way...bit like dangling a carrot, plus of course they were not actually queing for him! will he start on Saturday? is fit and now signed on so will be keen wouldn't be surprised if he does play he would be a match winner!
I think if someone had come on with a serious offer he would have gone, they didn’t therefore better from our perspective that he signs . In his article he says he’s now a man, time to stop talking and prove it, he’ll need to win quite a few fans over I reckon - over to you Callum, show the talent that is obviously in there and do it on a regular basis.
The contract has been settled after quite some time and now he needs to up his ante and play like he really did want to stay. A couple of stellar performances will get the supporters back on his side, and we move on.
