Chris Hogg has challenged George Earthy to “keep trying to make an impact” ahead of Bristol City’s trip to Millwall after the West Ham United loanee opened his Robins’ account against Middlesbrough last time out.
Earthy, who joined Liam Manning’s ranks on loan from the Irons in the summer transfer window, scored his first and second City goals as the Reds came from behind to beat Michael Carrick’s side 2-1 in their last Championship outing.
Prior to his brace against Boro, the 20-year-old had struggled to impact games despite impressing in several cameos with the majority of his minutes seeing him deployed out of position on the right flank.
Throughout Earthy’s time in the West Country, City’s coaching and playing staff have been eager to praise the attacking midfielder for his attitude and application in training. Hogg was keen to heap further praise on the youngster ahead of the Robins’ trip to East London on Tuesday evening.
“It helps the team that’s for sure,” Hogg said when asked what the brace could do for Earthy. “I think that’s what we keep talking to George around is bringing some of his training performances into games when he gets opportunities.
“I don’t think he’s still stopped smiling, to be honest. He’s a beautiful kid, a great lad and it’s such a pleasure to work with him with his work ethic and some of the qualities that he brings and him as a human being first and foremost. He’s a credit to his parents and really a credit to the system that he’s come through at West Ham with some of his behaviours. For him, it’s about keep smiling, keep enjoying your football and whatever opportunities he does get, keep trying to make an impact.”
Having spent the latter stages of last season in and around the West Ham first team, Earthy has some experience playing at the top level. He featured in the Europa League when David Moyes threw him into the fold against Freiburg and made three Premier League appearances, even finding the net in the Irons’ win over Luton Town.
As a result, City supporters’ expectations were high when it was announced that he would be spending the season on loan at Ashton Gate. However, the addition of Scott Twine just a matter of days later has meant that the Hammers’ loanee has found minutes in his preferred position hard to come by at times.
Manning had stated in January that Earthy needed to add some goals and assists to his game to kickstart his time as a Bristol City player. Having begun that process against Middlesbrough just over a week ago, Hogg is hopeful that his brace will provide the midfielder with the confidence and belief needed in the final 12 games of the campaign.
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“I can’t speak for him,” the City assistant head coach admitted. “I think margins are there for every player but he wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t a good player and he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t contribute and make an impact for where we want to get as a football club.
“He’s definitely had a real good energy about him this week but again for me, it’s around him just being, backing himself and playing with confidence and belief. Hopefully, them goals give him that.”
Having enjoyed a rare free weekend without a game, the Robins travel to The Den to face Millwall on Tuesday evening. Alex Neil’s side currently sit 12th in the Championship but a win over the Reds could see them climb within five points of the play-off places.
City will be hoping to give their own top-six hopes a boost. With a run of three games in just 10 days on the agenda after their midweek trip to South East London, there is a chance the next two weeks could prove to be crucial in the race for promotion to the Premier League.