Scott ‘will play for England one day’
NIGEL PEARSON has backed Guernsey’s Alex Scott to become a full England international in future.
On the same evening as the Bristol City manager substituted the 18-year-old Sarnian (pictured) just 37 minutes into their 1-1 Championship draw with Luton Town on Wednesday at Ashton Gate, he was later singing the teenager’s praises.
Scott, who returned to the Robins’ starting XI in a wide-right attacking position to try and bring more guile in the final third having been an unused substitute at Preston last weekend, was replaced before half-time by striker Nahki Wells in a clear tactical change with the Hatters the better side in a goalless first half.
‘Remember he’s 18. Only just 18. He’s playing a position that’s not his favourite position, but I’m not going to expose the lad,’ said Pearson explaining his decision after the game.
‘He’ll be hurting tonight but he is a top player. I think he’ll play for England one day, so you can quote me on that.
‘He’s a real talent, sometimes you take players out of the firing line just because it’s not working for them. I take the responsibility of picking him in the first place.’
In the game, Nathan Baker gave Bristol City the lead on 57min. and they were on course for their first home win of the season until late heartbreak saw Luton substitute Danny Hylton given the simple task of a tap-in after Carlos Mendes Gomes’ cross in stoppage time.
Another former Guernsey FC player, Cameron Pring, once again impressed for the home side in a left-midfield role, with Bristol Live sports editor James Piercy writing: ‘Where exactly has Cam Pring been hiding all this time? Yes, away on various loan spells but it is bizarre that, at 23, we’re only just starting to see what he’s capable of, and he continues to grow in stature with each performance.’
The Robins are 12th in the division with nine points from seven games and they visit Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.
