Kilkenny set for Robins clash

Kilkenny has been named in the Cherries squad for their Professional Development League encounter with Bristol City at Wimborne Town’s New Cuthbury (1pm kick-off).

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international played under Connell when he served his two-year scholarship in the under-18s before progressing into the first-team ranks.

Kilkenny, who had loan spells at Stoke City and Charlton Athletic last season, joined the Cherries when he was 16 and has made 24 appearances in the Championship, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

The 23-year-old started for the development squad in their 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Vitality Stadium in September.

Connell, who took the development squad reins in January 2023 following a successful and productive five-and-a-half-year spell leading the club’s under-18s, told afcb.co.uk: “It will be great to have Gav involved against Bristol City.

“I can picture my first under-18 team with Gav and Jaidon Anthony combining and producing some wonderful football at times.

“To have Gav playing in a side that I’m managing all these years later is a little bit strange.

“But we’ve always had a good relationship when we see each other around and he’s looking forward to playing some competitive minutes.

“We’ve got a strong squad at the moment and that’s credit to the players. A lot of them were playing in the under-18s last season and now have a lot of minutes with the development squad under their belts.

“Competition for places is strong and, as a result, training levels have been very good so I’ve been really pleased with everyone. We’re still missing a couple of players through injury but, hopefully, it won’t be too long before they are back.”

Lewis Brown, Connell’s under-18 captain last season, returns to the squad having been sidelined by injury since pre-season.  

Connell said: “Lewis has had to be patient with his rehab and has worked very hard to put himself back in the squad for this game so we’re really pleased.

“He’s a fantastic character and, hopefully, there will be some opportunities coming his way soon where he can get back to his best.

“He’s had two 45-minute runouts in friendlies, one for the under-18s and one for the development squad, and they have helped sharpen him up ahead of this game.”

Bristol City are currently fourth in the table, level on 13 points with fifth-placed Cherries. The teams also have the same goal difference, the Robins placed higher having scored more goals.

Connell said: “Every game at this level is very difficult so we expect the same from Bristol City. Hopefully, we can produce a performance that I know we’re capable of.”

Entry to New Cuthbury is free and supporters are welcome to attend.