Johnson happy to suffer selection headache

Tuesday, July 25th 2017

Lee Johnson was happy to admit City’s 3-0 win at Cheltenham Town has given him a selection headache with the Sky Bet Championship season opener against Barnsley now just 11 days away.

The head coach used a number of younger players in defending ownership of the Johnson Cup at the expense of father Gary.

One of those, 21-year-old Gustav Engvall, scored twice in 18 second-half minutes either side of Bobby Reid’s eighth goal in six pre-season outings.

“It’s very important to pick up our first piece of silverware this season!” Johnson joked, speaking to BCTV after the game.

“On a serious note, I thought we looked sharp and we looked bright.

“We didn’t score as we should’ve done in the first half, which was a bit disappointing because we had a couple of chances."

WHAT HE SAID

It’s good to have Gustav Engvall back fully fit because when we signed him last year he was injured and chasing his fitness.

Head coach Lee Johnson

He added: “They (Cheltenham) are strong and physical, but today we were too sharp. Our sharpness is exactly where I want it to be given where we are in pre-season moving into our last friendly – we’ve got selection issues all over the shop.

“We scored three good goals and I’m delighted for Gus, who looked sharp over the top. It’s good to have him back fully fit because when we signed him last year he was injured and chasing his fitness.

“He scored seven in nine in Sweden and he’s come back full of confidence. I’ve got some really difficult decisions to make now coming into the season.

“I thought our young players were exceptional. Lloyd Kelly, Zak Vyner and Joe Morrelll were all top drawer.

“It’s important for our Academy and it was a test for them because Cheltenham are a big side. It was nice to mix them in with a few seniors who could organise and dictate.”