International duty awaits for four of Manning's City squad

FOR the majority of Liam Manning’s Bristol City squad, the next few weeks will provide a rare chance to relax and recharge after what has been one of the most memorable seasons in recent years at Ashton Gate.

- Dan CARTER

After a 17-year absence, the Reds finally ended their time away from the Championship play-offs. While the Premier League dream came to a record-breaking end at the hands of Sheffield United, this has been a season of immense progress in south Bristol.

Of course, given the nature of the modern game, pre-season is already looming around the corner. Before we all know it, the Robins will be back at the High Performance Centre to take on the dreaded Bronco and various other fitness tests as City prepare to go a step further next season. However, for a couple of weeks at least, club football is on hold and the playing squad and Manning alike can enjoy a few weeks of thinking about anything but next season.

That is unless you're on international duty. If that’s the case, it is a whole different ball game with a round of international fixtures to be played over the first and second week of June before the final stamp can truly be put on what has felt like a never-ending campaign.