Liam Manning believes Scott Twine must be given an “element of freedom” after handing the attacking midfielder a positional change against Swansea City on Sunday.
For the eagled-eyed fans amongst the sell-out away end or those City fans watching on Sky Sports would’ve noticed the 25-year-old started in the number 10 role in South Wales.
It’s a position some of the Ashton Gate faithful were keen to see the summer arrival feature in more regularly having started on the left wing in every Championship outing prior to Sunday’s 1-1 draw against the Swans.
Playing out wide is a familiar role for Twine after appearing down the left-hand side for significant periods of his loan spell at Ashton Gate at the backend of last season.
Despite being moved into a more central attacking midfield position behind Sinclair Armstrong at the Swansea.com Stadium, Manning explained a key reason behind the switch was to give the former Burnley talent “freedom”.
He said: “When you look at it, Twiney’s right up there with chances created in the league. He’s probably frustrated people aren’t taking some of them but he’s quite a specialist. He’s so comfortable with receiving in tight areas and then constantly asking questions, he’s very brave to take risks and try things, which is what you want.
“With someone like that you have to give them an element of freedom and I thought he had a real good impact (against Swansea). It’s a massive strength for him and us as a group (to be able to play on the wing and in the middle).”
Twine completed his return to Ashton Gate in the second week of the season, making the switch from Burnley for £3.2m plus add ons. It’s been a solid start back at BS3 for the attacking talent, who has one goal and one assist to his name in his six Robins appearances this term.
There’s still plenty of promise for the ex-MK Dons forward, who also sits top of the chances created standings in the Championship with eight to his name so far, according to FOTMOB. That impressive figure sees him edge the likes of Derby’s Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (5), West Brom’s Tom Fellows (4) and Leeds United’s Mateo Roberts (4).