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Adam Baker writes

Posted Tuesday, January 30th 2018 @AdamBakerBCFC

In brief: Pre-Bolton Wanderers away press conference

Tuesday, January 30th 2018

Lee Johnson has met the media ahead of City's televised Sky Bet Championship clash with Bolton Wanderers.

The head coach answered questions from the local and national press along with midfielder Korey Smith.

Here's what they had to say:

LEE JOHNSON

- Johnson issues detailed injury update, with Matty Taylor set for hernia surgery.

- Gary O'Neil is now back in training.

- Eros Pisano had a slight setback but is due to start running on the grass in the coming days.

- Callum O'Dowda and Jens Hegeler still further away from a return.

- Milan Djuric will spend the next week with a specialist before returning to Failand.

- Frank Fielding is making positive progress on his recovering from a groin injury.

- Johnson expresses his disappointment at The FA's decision to uphold Nathan Baker's three-game ban.

- Aden Baldwin has been training with the first team this week and the young defender could be in the squad for Friday's game with Bolton Wanderers.

- Johnson expects a tougher game at the Macron Stadium than the team's 2-0 win over the Trotters back in September.

- "Bolton looked dead and buried early, but fair play to Phil Parkinson, he's certainly turned things around," adds Johnson.

- Johnson says there's a 0.0001% chance of City bringing in a player on deadline day.

- The head coach adds the chance of selling a key player is also slim with the window on the verge of closing.

- Some young players could head out on loan, while Matty Taylor and Gustav Engvall have loan opportunities available to them.

- Johnson says he is comfortable with City's squad, adding he's looking forward to seeing it strengthened by the return of his injured players.

KOREY SMITH

- Smith says he feels good fitness-wise.

- Midfielder adds: “Although it would be nice to be going to a Wembley final, we can now focus solely on the league between now and May.”

- Smith is looking forward to seeing Aaron Wilbraham and Mark Little, who he revealed cheered on City against Man City in both legs of the cup semi-final.

- He adds: “The first game against them was a tough one, even after they went down to ten men. They’ve improved since.”

- Smith surprised Nathan Baker was shown a red card against QPR and says it’s down to others to step up now.

- Midfielder delighted to have Famara Diédhiou back fit, offering the team “another option”.

- Smith plans to celebrate his birthday with his family tomorrow on his day off.