Football City boss Struber hopeful injury to striker Riis is not too bad

EMIL Riis was forced off early in the second half of Bristol City's draw with Derby County as a result of a knock to the Achilles, Gerhard Struber has confirmed, but the striker felt the injury was "not so bad".

- Dan CARTER

The Danish forward led the line as the Robins drew 1-1 with the Rams at Pride Park on Friday night. Struber's side took the lead in the first half through Scott Twine, but Carlton Morris ensured the points would be shared when he turned home from close range with only a matter of minutes still to play.

Having held the ball up well and connected play over the course of the opening 45 minutes, Riis, pictured, started the second half in a similar fashion. However, just nine minutes after the break, the former Preston forward was replaced by Sinclair Armstrong to the surprise of the majority of those in the away end. However, after the full-time whistle, Struber confirmed that the decision was the result of a coming together involving the 27-year-old, rather than a tactical call.

"He got a hit in the Achilles," the City boss told the Bristol Post in his post-match press conference. "I think it's not so bad, but this was the reason I took him off.