Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has said that there are "decisions to be made" with regards to a new contract being offered to Liam Walsh.

The 22-year-old central midfielder is currently on loan at League One side Coventry City for the duration of the season, with the Sky Blues currently top of the League One table.

He has gone on to make 35 appearances for Mark Robins' side in all competitions this term, contributing with five goals and five further assists.

However, his Bristol City contract expires at the end of the season - although it has been reported that there is an option for a one-year extension to be triggered if the club sees fit.

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Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's clash against Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, Johnson was asked about the current situation regarding Walsh's immediate future.

"There are always decisions to be made both sides. We’ve got that security of the extra year," Johnson told the Bristol Post.

Communication from the start has always been strong.

"He’s a loveable rogue and when he doesn’t play, he gets quite frustrated."

The Bristol City boss also said that regular playing time for the 22-year-old was a key reason behind the loan move to Coventry.

"Liam will tell you this, from the starting point I said he needed 40 games at league level on the spin," he added.

"That will get him Championship-ready to be a consistent starter."

Walsh joined the Robins in January 2018 from Everton, for an undisclosed fee.

He has gone on to make a total of 19 appearances for City in two seasons.

The Verdict

There is an important decision to be made on Walsh's future, but as Johnson alluded to in his press conference, the club has a safety net with the one-year extension option tied into his current deal.

Walsh is seen as one for the future, and at just 22-years-old, there is time ahead of him to kick start his Bristol City career.

He has been one of Coventry's standout players this term, and that surely has Johnson thinking about potentially using him more next season, providing he stays on.