Bristol City boss Gary Johnson says increased competition for places is making it more difficult than ever for him to select his starting line-up. Given that key players are returning from injury, the manager will very likely be spoilt for choice when he comes to name a side to face Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Sidelined by injury since July, midfield enforcer Marvin Elliott announced his return with a dominant display in Saturday's 4-1 thrashing of Doncaster Rovers at Ashton Gate. Elliott replaced Bradley Orr at the start of the second half and his arrival helped spark a City goal-rush. Having finally confirmed his recovery from a recurring knee problem, the 23-year-old Londoner is now pushing hard for a place in the starting XI at Molineux. Utility player Brian Wilson yesterday returned to full-time training after taking a week off to recover from the effects of shin splints, further intensifying the battle for first-team places among Johnson's squad. Goalkeeper Adriano Basso and striker Steve Brooker are expected to overcome calf and Achilles strains in time to be considered for this weekend's clash in the Black Country, while Gavin Williams and Lee Trundle are also in contention to return to the team. "It's vitally important to have that level of competition," said Johnson.
Western Daily Press

Wolves hot-shot Chris Iwelumo is confident he will be able to line-up against Championship rivals Bristol City this weekend. The big striker netted a superb hat-trick in Saturday's 3-1 victory at Preston North End, only to be sent off following an apparent clash with Sean St Ledger. By rights, the former Charlton marksman should now receive an automatic three-match ban, ruling him out of Saturday's top-versus-fifth showdown at Molineux. But Wolves have decided to appeal against Iwelumo's ban after Preston defender St Ledger spoke out in defence of the striker.
Bristol Evening Post

Boss Gary Johnson hailed the impact Marvin Elliott and Nicky Maynard had on his Bristol City side's 4-1 win over Doncaster. Elliott, making his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury, came off the bench at half time and inspired the Robins in the second 45 minutes as Johnson's side scored all four goals in a devastating 26-minute spell at Ashton Gate. And the Robins boss heaped praise on the midfielder's contribution. "Marvin Elliott gives great energy to our side. It's great to have him back and it didn't take him long to make an impact," Johnson said.
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