Gerhard Struber sets Radek Vitek challenge after Man United loanee shines on Bristol City debut | Bristol Live

Radek Vitek impressed between the posts as Bristol City beat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane

Gerhard Struber has explained that Radek Vitek's next challenge is to consistently hit the heights he reached during his Bristol City debut, after the Manchester United loanee impressed in the Robins’ opening day win over Sheffield United.

The 21-year-old started between the posts as the Reds thrashed Ruben Selles’ side 4-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening. A brace from Scott Twine, as well as goals from Ross McCrorie and Anis Mehmeti, ensured that Tyrese Campbell’s first-half strike was little more than a consolation as Struber’s side romped to all three points.

Understandably, given the scoreline, it was City’s attacking players who received the majority of the plaudits, but the Robins’ backline, particularly Vitek, also stood out.

In what was his first competitive appearance for the Reds, the Czech goalkeeper produced impressive saves to deny each of Louie Barry, Harrison Burrows, and Sydie Peck while also utilising his six-foot-six frame to claim several high balls into the penalty area.

Twine was awarded Sky Sports' Player of the Match award, but City supporters voted Vitek as their 'Pick of the Match' following the full-time whistle. Although Struber was equally impressed by his new goalkeeper's display, he was eager to emphasise the fact that it is still early days in his Reds' career.

“He did a really good job,” the head coach told Bristol Live when asked about the stopper’s performance. “We can see his profile; he's a highly talented player with a high potential profile.

“Of course, this is something special that he brings on the table, but it's also important that we find the right consistency. He's a young player; today he showed us a great performance, but now it's the start, and this counts for every single player, consistency is, in the end, the driver for more. In this direction, I think we have to train in a very good level, we have to grow with all the things, and the standard will go higher and higher.

"Games like this show us that we are, in more directions, ready, but of course, we have to learn and we have to grow and bring the standard to the highest level that we can bring with this group of players."

Having starred in the Robins’ opening-day win, Vitek was given a great reception as he made his way over to the travelling supporters after the full-time whistle at Bramall Lane.

With Struber opting against a Liam Manning-esque fist bump in front of the away end, it was instead the 21-year-old who engaged with the fans, conducting them through three cheers while jumping in the air.

Vitek seemingly enjoyed that moment so much that he followed it up with a second visit, where again, he led a chorus of three cheers as the rest of his teammates made their way off of the field. Throughout the evening, the travelling fans were in fine voice as they roared Struber and his players through the game.

The new head coach had a taste of playing in front of the Reds’ faithful during the summer’s friendlies. However, prior to Saturday's game, he was relishing the chance to lead his team into a competitive game in front of the supporters, and the atmosphere in the away end at Bramall Lane didn’t disappoint.

Discussing his first impressions of the City support, Struber said, "It was great. It was very great to realise the power of our fans and our fanbase. I can hear, in the second half, only Bristol City fans.

"I think, in an away game, this is a very sexy moment.”