Warnock cheered by Morrison omission

NEIL WARNOCK has admitted his relief at Don Givens’ decision to snub Clinton Morrison by leaving him out of the Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s friendly with Brazil.

The Crystal Palace striker had been tipped for a recall to the national squad after an extraordinary run of 11 goals in 14 Championship games, form which has enabled the south London club to climb into the top six. Instead, Givens opted for Sunderland’s Anthony Stokes last week.

The decision may have disappointed Morrison but Warnock, his club manager, believes it will help Palace’s promotion push, beginning with tonight’s meeting with Leicester City.

“I wasn’t that upset, to be honest,” he said. “Perhaps it was a bit surprising but it means he gets to stay with us. I remember when I had Alan Quinn at Sheffield United, he would always return from international duty on Friday mornings and was no in position to play for us the following weekend.”

Gary Johnson insists he has never wavered in his belief that Bristol City can keep pace with the Championship pacesetters with a narrow win over Blackpool on Saturday.

Johnson’s side moved level with leaders West Brom, despite struggling to find their fluent best at Ashton Gate, but Marvin Elliott’s goal before the break was enough and Johnson was happy to take the points.

“This was a day when the result meant everything,” Johnson said. “We worked on our back four all week and they defended magnificently’.

“After every match I am asked if we can stay among the leaders and for the 27th time I’ll tell you we can.”

City are now three points ahead of third-placed Watford but have now played a game more than every other side in the top six.

Johnson must now decide whether to take advantage of the final few days of the January transfer window to strengthen his squad.

City are thought to need a striker and have been linked with Coventry’s Dele Adebola but Johnson remains non-committal.

He said: “We are looking but I have to be very careful because one poor decision could upset our great dressing-room spirit.”

Burnley moved within a point of the play-off positions with a 2-0 win over Scunthorpe at Turf Moor, Robbie Blake and Ade Akinbiyi scoring the goals in the first half.