Atkinson continues comeback from long-term injury

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Rob Atkinson was stretchered off during Bristol City's 1-1 draw at Sunderland in February 2023

Bristol City defender Rob Atkinson played the full 90 minutes of the club's under-21 match against Exeter on Monday night as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old centre-half has been an unused substitute in each of City's past two Championship games but has not made a first-team appearance in more than 18 months after being stretchered off in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland on 18 February 2023.

Atkinson signed a new three-year contract with the Robins in April 2023 despite sustaining the anterior cruciate ligament injury at The Stadium of Light.

City's under-21s were beaten 2-0 by Exeter in the Premier League Cup match at their High Performance Centre.