Bristol City vs Scunthorpe preview - City burned by Wes absence

Posted Friday, September 05, 2014 by PA

Bristol City will be without attacker Wes Burns when Scunthorpe arrive at Ashton Gate.

The 19-year-old has been called up to the Wales Under-21 squad for their two European qualifiers, meaning boss Steve Cotterill will be without his services.

Burns' absence could open the door for Bobby Reid to return to the matchday squad and stake his claim.

Striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored the late winner in their 2-1 win at Notts County on Sunday but he may have to make do with a place on the bench once more with Kieran Agard set for a home debut alongside Aaron Wilbraham.

Scunthorpe boss Russ Wilcox must contend with an injury crisis he has described as the worst he has known in 30 years in football.

On-loan Miles Addison has returned to parent club Bournemouth due to a knee injury and fellow defender Luke O'Neill left on crutches after the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy win against Chesterfield.

Winger Terry Hawkridge may have to fill in at right-back, while goalkeepers Sam Slocombe (shoulder) and James Severn (thigh) both remain sidelined.

Striker Deon Burton and midfielder David Syers are both recovering from serious knee injuries and Eddie Nolan has missed the last two games due to a neck problem.