'Happy to be back' - Brian De Keersmaecker makes Bristol City return

With the three week international break, the Robins and the Eagles arranged a friendly to keep fitness levels up, and it was Michael Skubala's men who claimed the victory on Saturday..

Luke McNally, himself returning after a long injury absence having not featured for a senior team in nearly 18 months, headed City in front early, rising highest to head home De Keersmaecker’s free kick. Scott Twine then smashed in a trademark free kick in the second half to double the lead and secure the triumph.

De Keersmaecker was City’s final summer signing, joining on deadline day from Oxford United and barring 45 minutes last month for City Under-21, the midfielder has not played since January of this year due to injury.

On the game, De Keersmaecker said to Bristol City's official media: “I think we started very well in the game. It was good to have a friendly against a good opponent and I think everyone showed themselves, enjoyed the win and now we’re looking forward to next week.

"Of course it's not ideal to have that long break, but yeah, it's good to have a another game, another friendly against a good opponent and I think everyone showed themselves again today, so it's good to yeah have a win and then looking forward to to next week.

On his return, he added: “I’m just happy to be back on the pitch and get the minutes. Being on the pitch is the best thing in the world and today I just tried to enjoy it as much as possible.

"It’s better to have competition as it forces everyone to be switched on every training session. We have a great squad with great depth and it’s on us to show ourselves.”

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