Bristol City boss Roy Hodgson hails display of goalkeeper Radek Vitek

Roy Hodgson believes Bristol City goalkeeper Radek Vitek has “all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper” after seeing the Robins make it maximum points from his first two games as interim head coach.

Mark Sykes produced a cool low finish past covering defenders after 23 minutes after Blades goalkeeper Adam Davies had advanced from his area to win a 50-50 challenge with Emil Riis in the 1-0 win.

However, the visitors were transformed after a lethargic opening 45 minutes and Manchester United loanee Vitek denied them at least a point with a string of fine saves to keep out efforts from Andre Brooks twice, Gus Hamer, Patrick Bamford and Mark McGuinness.

Hodgson, whose last home game in charge of City was 44 years ago, said: “I have only watched our players for two games so I have to be careful what I say, but from what I have seen Radek has all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper.

“You want your keeper to have a good physique, be a good shot-stopper, command his area when it comes to crosses and have a powerful kick. To me, he fills all those requirements.

“As at Charlton on Friday, I enjoyed our first-half performance more than the second, but I was more proud of the second because of the attitude shown to claim another win.

“In my short time here, I have just tried to get certain messages across and the way the players have responded has been unbelievably good.

“They deserve the credit. Some have played out of their normal position because of the injuries to our centre-backs and have adapted really well.

“If I was a City supporter I would be delighted with the sort of effort and performance the team produced today.”

Blases boss Chris Wilder frustrated City defender Cam Pring was not sent off after 12 minutes for chopping down Femi Seriki after being booked for a fourth-minute foul.

He said: “The referee told me our player was not in a promising attacking position. I can’t agree with that, but it shouldn’t affect the decision in any case.

“You could see by their player’s reaction that he feared a second yellow. I keep having to say the same thing, but the standard of refereeing has to be better.

“The Championship is a division where little separates a lot of the teams and big decisions often affect the outcome of games.

“I am not saying that’s why we lost. Our first-half performance was way off what I expect, but it would have helped if we had been facing 10 men for most of the game.

“In the end we did enough to win, let alone draw. I would think their keeper went home with a bottle of champagne.”