Johnson wants to keep strikers

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson says he does not want any of his six strikers to leave as they will be needed over the coming months.

Following the recent signing of Stern John, Johnson now has a multitude of options up front. But, despite speculation he is prepared to let at least two leave on loan with clubs contacting City over their availability, Johnson insists he wants them to stay as competition for places hots up.

Johnson has John, Steve Brooker, Nicky Maynard, Dele Adebola, Lee Trundle and John Akinde at his disposal at Ashton Gate but he's hoping they all stay.

Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol: "A lot of people have been asking, that's for sure. Good strikers are a premium.

"People who want loans are nearly always ringing up looking for strikers but at the moment we need them all.

"There are so many games in November - six games - and December - six games. We want to create a competition.

"People like Johnny Akinde, although he's not been on the bench recently, we still need him around because we want that competition at any moment.

"He scored two good goals in the reserves against Tottenham in mid-week, so it puts him in the fray again."