CELTIC-LINKED Tommy Conway, stand-by striker for Scotland in Euro 24, has been BANNED by Bristol City.
The 21-year-old frontman, who was brought into Steve Clarke’s squad in Germany after Queens Park Rangers’ Lyndon Dykes was forced to withdraw, is at the centre of a contract dispute with the Championship side.
Conway, who is a free agent next summer, has refused to sign an extension with the Ashton Gate outfit and has now been banished from the first team by boss Liam Manning and ordered to train with the Under-21s.
City will favour selling him in this transfer window instead of being forced to accept compensation in a year’s time with the club only due a nominal fee after bringing him through their academy.
SCOTLAND THE RAVE…Tommy Conway flies the flag for his adopted nation.
Frustrated gaffer Manning, speaking to the Bristol Live, said: “Tommy has had a contract offer on the table, which is an excellent offer.
“This has been turned down and not negotiated with the player expressing a desire to leave.
“The decision has been made for him to train with the Under-21s, with the focus wholly on players who are fully committed to what we are trying to achieve.”
Conway, who has scored three goals in seven appearances for the Scotland Under-21 side, was flagged up to the Scottish champions by long-time Celtic fan Steve Evans, manager of Rotherham United, a couple of months ago.
The experienced and much-travelled team boss recommended Matt O’Riley to Parkhead chiefs before the London-born Danish international playmaker was signed from third-tier MK Dons for a bargain £1.5million in January 2022.
In May this year, Evans said: “I see a lot of Celtic – they’re the only club other than Rotherham that I’d have left Stevenage for – and if you’re asking me, could Conway play at Celtic? Absolutely.”
The forward made his full Scotland debut when he played for almost half an hour as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw with Finland at Hampden before the Euro extravangza kicked off last month.
A BIG HAND…Tommy Conway celebrates a goal for Bristol City.
Taunton-born Conway qualifies to play for the Scots through grandfather Danny who hailed from Stirling. His dad Joe is a member of the Tartan Army.
Brendan Rodgers is still in pursuit of Adam Idah, who scored nine goals – including the Scottish Cup winner – in his 19 loan appearances from Norwich City.
South Korean frontman Oh Hyeon-gyu has just left the club for Belgian side Genk and the Irishman is still seeking to strengthen his attack.
The highly-recommended Conway’s situation is also reportedly being monitored by top-flight quartet Wolves, Brentford, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
