Wells sets Conway friendship aside for visit of Boro

Bristol City host a familiar face on Friday - only this time former Robins forward Tommy Conway will be hoping visitors Middlesbrough come out victorious.

The 22-year-old came through City's youth ranks and played alongside Nahki Wells at senior level, with the Bermudian becoming something of a mentor to him during their time together at the Championship club.

Conway departed for Middlesbrough last summer, becoming a regular member of Boro's starting XI and scoring eight goals in 23 games for Michael Carrick's side.

The nature of Conway's exit is likely to mean he is greeted with a hostile welcome by the Ashton Gate faithful.

"He'll be chomping at the bit, naturally, and the same for us, wanting to stop one of their talismen in Tommy," Wells told BBC Radio Bristol. "There's a good friendship there, we still speak."

Conway had missed six games because of a hamstring issue following Middlesbrough's draw on 26 December with Sheffield Wednesday.

He made his return in February and played his first full 90 minutes last time out against Watford, though the Boro forward has so far only seen defeat upon his return.

"Unfortunately, or for us, fortunately, he has been out, which has probably coincided with a bit of their form because he's one of the danger men," Wells added.

"But he's back fit and he's one we are going to have to keep an eye out on and be wary of his threat.

"At the end of the day, on Friday it's a game and we are playing against them - all the friendship goes out the window until the final whistle blows."