Liam Manning details Semenyo comparison after Sinclair Armstrong's 'bitty' Bristol City season | Bristol Live

Sinclair Armstrong managed to score three goals in his first season as a Bristol City player after making the move to Ashton Gate from QPR

Liam Manning has explained that Brian Tinnion has drawn comparisons between Sinclair Armstrong's current situation at Bristol City and that of Antoine Semenyo early in his career with the Robins after the forward's "bitty" first season in red and white.

Armstrong made the move to Ashton Gate from QPR last summer and was a regular fixture in the Reds' starting line-up early this season. The Ireland international started each of City's first four Championship matches and found the net on two occasions in his first six appearances, before Nahki Wells got the nod ahead of him after the October international break.

The 21-year-old continued to be involved off of the bench in the run-up to the festive period, even coming on to score in the Robins' 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle in November. However, he picked up a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for seven matches as the Reds drew 1-1 with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in December.

After returning to the fold in mid-January, Armstrong put together a run of six starts over February and early March, but was unable to add to the three goals he scored in the first half of the campaign. While Manning admits the forward has been frustrated by the way his season has ended on a personal note, he insists the 21-year-old needs time to continue his development.

"I think with how we recruit and what we're recruiting, that's why patience is needed, and there's always a risk," the head coach told Bristol Live at the High Performance Centre on Tuesday. "Anytime you're signing potential, there's a risk, there's no guarantee that people are going to hit the level that you want.

"That's what ultimately development is about. There's no guarantees on it, there's no magic potion you can give someone for the penny to drop and it click, and when you look at it, I have to say he's had a very bitty season Sincs. He started quite well, scored a few goals to equal his record in a lot more games at QPR.

"He picked up a slight injury where Nahki comes in and scores, then he doesn't play for a while because Nahki's on fire and then he did well up at Sheffield United away. I know he was speaking this morning, not happy with how it kind of finished, so it's been a very bitty season for him, but I can't speak highly enough in terms of his attitude and application behind the scenes, and he's still young. I think that's the biggest bit."

Though Armstrong has divided supporters' opinion at times in his maiden season at Ashton Gate, his qualities are clear to see. The young forward is as quick as anyone in the Championship and has a knack for frightening defenders when he hits his stride with his pace and physical presence.

Of course, he has not yet managed to demonstrate those abilities on a consistent enough basis, but in City's wins over Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City earlier this year, he played an important role as he got both side's centre-backs booked and allowed the Robins to quickly progress up the field.

Naturally, given his age and profile as a player, some supporters have drawn parallels with Semenyo, who had a similarly frustrating start to his time as a first-team player in BS3. The now Bournemouth star's talent was easy to see in flashes, but it took him a few seasons to demonstrate it week in and week out during matches.

Though no timeframe can be put on when Armstrong will hit his stride consistently, as Semenyo did late in his time as a Robin, the links between the two have been recognised by those in the Reds' hierarchy.

"Brian compares elements of the situation to Antoine when he was here, and the frustration Antoine created and the doubters that he had," Manning continued. "With hindsight now, everyone probably says: 'I could see Antonie was great,' but like I say, everyone's pathway is different, everyone's journey is different.

"You've got no idea if the penny will drop or when it does. All we can do is keep pushing with him, keep working with him and keep progressing him in the right way."