Dickie 'terrific' after dip - Robins boss Manning

Rob Dickie has been ever-present in Bristol City's backline since 23 November

Bristol City centre-back Rob Dickie has been "terrific" for the club after putting a dip in form earlier this season behind him, says manager Liam Manning.

The 29-year-old has played every minute of the Robins' past 24 Championship matches stretching back to November when he returned from a hamstring injury.

Against Burnley he was praised for an "outstanding" performance that prevented the Clarets adding to their 1-0 advantage.

"He's really got back to the level that he showed he's capable of," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I had a chat with him probably about two months ago where I thought he'd dipped a little bit for the standards he'd set last season working with him.

"He's definitely got back up there and I think when you look at it, the role of vice captain and the support he gives Knighty [Jason Knight], the voice he has in the changing room has only grown and grown over the course of the season and he's been terrific, the big man, and long may it continue."

Dickie signed from QPR in June 2023 on a three-year contract and was made vice captain at the start of this campaign.

Since January he has been one of only two specialist centre-backs - along with Zak Vyner - available to Manning, due to Luke McNally being ruled out long-term with an anterior cruciate ligament injury plus Rob Atkinson and Kal Naismith leaving on loan.

Manning said that after the loss at Turf Moor last Saturday, Dickie was one of the most vocal players in the changing room.

"It's another sign of progress of the group, when you come in afterwards and the lads are so honest with the reflections," Manning said.

"In terms of that level of awareness, knowing when you've not quite been at it allows you to try and affect it and change it again in the future.

"Rob's got a big voice in the changing room and he was one that spoke really well afterwards, as did Knighty and a few of the other seniors."