Rob Atkinson is set to be welcomed back into the first-team squad fold against West Brom on Boxing Day as Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has further explained his public calling out of the Robins centre-back.
Atkinson was dropped from the matchday 18 as City lost 2-1 to Stoke City last Saturday with auxiliary centre-back Andy King guilty of two enforced errors that led to both Stoke goals.
When asked post-match as to why King, who had started the previous three matches, was preferred ahead of a more natural defender in Atkinson, who hasn’t played since November 8 due to illness following an injury, Pearson claimed it was a matter of “trust” while going on to say he needed to, “be more enthusiastic and work harder”.
