Football Hard work throughout summer paid off for me – Sykes

MARK Sykes admitted his summer was “frustrating” after he made his first Championship start for Bristol City in four months against Derby County, but the winger and his teammates are now relishing the challenge of facing Premier League opposition in the Carabao Cup.

- Dan CARTER

The 27-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes as the Robins conceded late to draw 1-1 with Derby County at Pride Park on Friday evening. City had taken the lead in the first half when Scott Twine curled a shot into the bottom corner, having been picked out by Sykes, but a Carlton Morris strike in the 86th minute ensured the points would be shared.

Friday night's game saw Sykes start a league fixture for the first time since he suffered a quad injury in April. The winger had been named in the starting lineup for the clash with QPR at Loftus Road last season, but withdrew during the warm-up and missed the remainder of the season, including the playoff campaign.

Having worked hard to get back up to speed over the course of off-season, the former Oxford United man was delighted to feature against the Rams, even if the result wasn’t quite what he had hoped for.