Atkinson’s readiness is a 'surprise' to boss Struber

OB Atkinson is available to play for Bristol City against Queens Park Rangers today, Gerhard Struber has confirmed, with the defender involved in training yesterday despite being forced off against Ipswich in midweek.

- DANIEL CARTER [e-mail]

City welcome Julien Stephan’s side to Ashton Gate looking to end a three-match winless run and build on back-to-back draws with Ipswich and Preston. QPR sit tenth in the Championship, a point adrift of fifthplaced City, after also drawing each of their last two League games.

Although Atkinson started against both Preston and the Tractor Boys, having been an injury doubt for the trip to Deepdale, the 27-year-old was replaced by Haydon Roberts for the closing exchanges of the draw with Kieran McKenna’s side after twice receiving treatment on the Ashton Gate pitch.