No rush for Maynard comeback

City striker Nicky Maynard will not be rushed back into action too soon, according to boss Keith Millen.

Millen arranged a behind-closed-doors reserve team game against Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday afternoon, to give crucial match practice to several fringe players.

But Maynard, who has yet to feature for City this season, was not named in the squad which won 3-2 at City’s Failand training base.

“I’ve set-up a game because quite a few players need a run out, but Nicky will not be involved,” Millen told the Bristol Evening Post.

“It’s too early for him and he needs to build his training up before he can think about playing a game. He is making progress, but he is not even back training with the squad yet.

“Nicky is still working with the physios, but at least he is back out on the grass again and it’s nice to see him at the training ground.”

Maynard had hoped to be back in action for the first team earlier this month, but saw his comeback efforts thwarted by the icy conditions that swept the South West.

But given the form of strikers Brett Pitman and Jon Stead, Millen is not prepared to gamble with the £2.25m record signing’s recovery.

Millen added: “Brett and Jon have done well, we have other strikers who are pushing for a place in the team and I don’t want to set Nicky any targets.

“The most important thing is to make sure everything is right with the knee when the time comes for Nicky to start playing again.”

Goals from David Clarkson, Aaron Holloway and Marlon Jackson were enough to give City an 87th minute win over Forest Green.

Dean Gerken, Louis Carey, Damion Stewart, Ivan Sproule and David Clarkson all got 90 minutes under their belts, while Danny Haynes managed 75.