Boss gives out striking advice

Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard is being urged to follow the example of Cardiff hitman Michael Chopra if he wants to reach the top.

The advice has come from his manager Gary Johnson ahead of Tuesday night's Championship clash between the two clubs.

Chopra was the difference the last time the sides went head-to-head in the recent FA Cup double-header, scoring in the 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate before setting up the winner in the replay in South Wales last week.

The City manager told the Evening Post, "People like Chopra think about the game and are clever and that's why they've earned a good living down the years.

"Players like Nicky have to learn from that last game so they be ready for the next game.

"Chopra spends a lot of time in offside positions and then steps back on at just the right moment. By the time he becomes active again, defenders have forgotten where he is.

"Nicky needs to learn when to step out of the game and then come back into it again. He's an honest player and he works very hard, but he needs to think about his game. He needs to think about where he stands and how he can fly into the danger zone when the opposition least expects it.

"I know Nicky has scored 11 goals this season, but most of them have been absolute world-class efforts from outside of the penalty area. I want him to score a couple of clever ones from tap-ins."

Meanwhile, City's trip to Crystal Palace on Tuesday February 2nd, has been postponed again due to their FA Cup replay against Wolves that night.