Derek McInnes aims to keep Brett Pitman at Bristol City

Pitman has made 58 appearances for Bristol City, 31 of them as a substitute

Bristol City manager Derek McInnes has insisted he has no intention of selling striker Brett Pitman.

The 23-year-old has been a substitute in all seven of McInnes' games in charge and there were rumours Bournemouth were interested in re-signing the forward.

"There was speculation he was going to Bournemouth, which I wasn't aware of," the Robins boss told BBC Radio Bristol.

"But he's an important part of the plans and he's not going anywhere."

Pitman left the Cherries and joined City on a three-year deal in August 2010 and scored 13 goals in 41 games last season, finishing their top scorer.

But since succeeding Keith Millen as manager in October, Scotsman McInnes has favoured playing Nicky Maynard up front on his own.

"I can quite understand the frustration [Pitman] has had of late but we've spoken to him and he understands the team's need for getting points is vital," added McInnes. "I've had no hesitation in putting Brett in at anytime.

"At the moment we are going with a regular selection that's paid dividends but that's got to continue paying dividends and that's not to say Brett won't be part of that.

"He's just having to kick his heels at the moment but he's training at a level I'm pleased with.

"Although his demeanour sometimes comes across that he's not happy it's far from that - he's been very professional, hard working and he couldn't be more pleased that the team are doing well."