Bristol City midfielder Paul Hartley is living proof that practice really can make perfect. Signed as a free agent after being released by Scottish Premier League giants Celtic during the summer, the 32-year-old play-maker has wasted no time in confirming his reputation as a model professional since arriving at Ashton Gate. An assiduous trainer, the Scotland international star is often to be seen on the training ground practising set-piece routines long after his team-mates have departed for warm showers and home. Bristol City fans have been quick to appreciate Hartley's ability at free kicks and corners, but they were unsure just how good he was until seven minutes before the end of last Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship fixture against West Brom at the Hawthorns. Trailing 4-0 and desperately in need of a consolation, City fans at least had something to cheer when Hartley stepped up and, with a smooth swish of his right boot, deposited a free kick from a central position into the top right-hand corner of Scott Carson's net. It was a stunning goal, one which identified Hartley as a more than worthy successor to David Noble and Michael McIndoe, the last players to score direct from free kicks for City way back in 2008. Sheffield United have been warned. Should their players commit indiscretions anywhere near their 18-yard box in this afternoon's Championship showdown at Ashton Gate, Hartley will be quite prepared to punish them. He recalled: "Even though I hardly ever took free kicks at Celtic, it was still something I practised almost every day."
Bristol Evening Post

Bristol City goalkeeper Adriano Basso has declared his intention to leave Ashton Gate. The Brazilian shot-stopper is unhappy with his lack of first-team action with Dean Gerken the current No.1 at City. The 34-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and City have been hoping to agree a new deal with Basso. However, Basso insists he has no plans to sign fresh terms and plans to move on from the Championship outfit. "I am not happy with my current situation," Basso said.
Sky Sports

Goalkeeper Adriano Basso has revealed that he will try to line up a move away from Bristol City in January after refusing to sign a new deal. The 34-year-old Brazilian was transfer-listed at his own request during the summer after rejecting a new deal. The Robins had hoped that he would have a change of heart. However, Basso has reiterated his desire to leave Ashton Gate and can talk to other clubs in January as he will be out of contract next summer. "I am not happy with my current situation," Basso said. "I won't be signing a new deal and I plan to move on."
Bristol Evening Post

Chris Morgan has insisted Sheffield United will not be intimidated by Bristol City's formidable record at Ashton Gate. United's latest opponents have not lost a league match at home for nearly a year and are determined to extend that record against Kevin Blackwell's side this afternoon. But after helping his team mates return to winning ways against Peterborough last weekend, Morgan vows: "With all due respect to City I don't think it's about them. I think it's about us. They've got some good players and they're clearly a good team. But then so are we."
Sheffield Star

Sheffield United have been warned to expect a backlash from Bristol City this afternoon as they attempt to claw themselves up the Championship table. Kevin Blackwell made the prediction after hearing Gary Johnson, his opposite number at Ashton Gate, criticise his players' attitude during City's 4-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion. Blackwell, who could hand debuts to loan signings Carl Ikeme and Toni Kallio, said: "City are an experienced side in the division now. Gary obviously wasn't happy at what he saw against West Brom and he's told his lads so. They're a good team and so we are expecting a response from them. We'll be ready for it."
Sheffield Star

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell has warned his players to beware the wounded animal when they face Bristol City this weekend. Gary Johnson's side were thrashed 4-1 at West Brom last weekend, but they are unbeaten at home this season and look to be contenders for promotion. Blackwell said: "They are a side that is very solid and Ashton Gate is always a difficult place to get a result, so we know it will be tough."
Yahoo Eurosport

Bristol City left-back Jamie McAllister has shaken off a shin problem for the home clash with Sheffield United on Saturday. McAllister is set to take his place in the back four but fellow defender Bradley Orr has been ruled out with an Achilles injury having already spent a month on the sidelines.
Clubcall

Sheffield United will be without Henri Camara for the clash at Bristol City but are boosted by new loan pair Carl Ikeme and Toni Kallio.
Teamtalk

Striker Henri Camara is out of the trip to Bristol City because of a hamstring problem but Darius Henderson is available.
Clubcall

Kevin Blackwell could throw Carl Ikeme straight into the Blades line-up after being impressed with the goalkeeper's efforts on loan for Charlton. The Blades manager signed the 23-year-old after discovering Ian Bennett was likely to miss at least another three weeks with a broken thumb.
Yorkshire Post

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has told Championship rivals Swansea they can keep Lee Trundle if they want him. Out of favour at Ashton Gate and out of contract at the end of the season, the flamboyant striker returned to his former club on loan in August. His spell at the Liberty Stadium is due to expire on December 31, but Robins manager Johnson has stated publicly that there is no future for Trundle in Bristol. And he has revealed a deal is in place that could see Trundle remain in Wales for the rest of the season. The player himself has made no secret of his desire to stay with the Swans and, privately at least, has vowed never to play for Bristol City again. But his future is out of his own hands and it will be left to Swans boss Paulo Sousa to decide whether he wants to keep Trundle beyond the end of the year. Johnson said: "We haven't spoken to Swansea recently, because it's out of our hands. At the moment, the deal is up to December 31 and no longer. But we do have a deal in place where they can take him for the second half of the season if they want to. There is a deal on the table and they know what it is."
Bristol Evening Post

Lee Trundle has yet to be told whether Swansea want to keep him permanently once his loan spell expires. Trundle returned to the Welsh club on loan over the summer but is due to go back to parent club Bristol City in the New Year. He is anxious to earn a longer deal with the Swans but has failed to nail down a starting place in Paulo Souza's side so far this season and is not sure of the club's intentions. "When the lads are doing what they are doing then I can't really complain (about being left out)," Trundle said.
Sky Sports