Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Gate atmosphere was fantastic – Boothroyd
ENGLAND Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd has hailed Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium as a special place following the Young Lions’ draw on Thursday evening.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Boothroyd claimed that the senior Three Lions side could follow the Under-21s to BS3.
The ex-Bristol Rovers defender also liked what he saw from Robins youngsters Lloyd Kelly and Jay Dasilva, and explained that Tammy Abraham had not been risked for the friendly against Poland, but that the Aston Villa striker will likely face Germany U21s on Tuesday.
“I thought it was fantastic – that’s the first thing I’ve said in all of the TV interviews,” said Boothroyd of the Ashton Gate atmosphere.
“To get a crowd like that was exactly what these young lads needed. It was great support for England, but it was also great support for the Polish team as well. Them getting that side of the ground and bouncing around and making it a really good atmosphere.
“As far as being in the South West, I think you can see that the club has come on leaps and bounds. Certainly since I was living in Bristol.
“It’s an amazing place and ground and it’s great that the senior England and Women’s teams are considering, if not coming, here.”
Both Kelly and Dasilva completed full matches on home turf against the Poles.
Boothroyd added: “I thought Lloyd was fantastic. There was a bit in the game where the guy had five yards on him and he turned his afterburners on and then he was five yards ahead of him by the end of it.
“He’s a fantastic athlete – very talented guy and really he’d be one of the guys that we talk about wanting to get the experience, and Jay has shown that he and Lloyd can both play in the same team.
“So I’ve given Lee (Johnson, City head coach) a bit of a headache there I guess, but that’s good because we want as many of our guys playing as possible.”