Yu Hirakawa made the move to Bristol City and Ashton Gate on an initial loan deal during last summer’s transfer windowYu Hirakawa started Bristol City’s draw with QPR(Image: Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Liam Manning has claimed that Yu Hirakawa will “improve massively” over the coming months after the Bristol City winger was handed a last-minute start in the Robins’ draw with QPR at Loftus Road.

The Reds boosted their hopes of a top six finish this season with a 1-1 draw against Marti Cifuentes’ side on Saturday afternoon, with Karamoko Dembele’s opener cancelled out by George Earthy’s third goal of the campaign.

Dembele handed the home side the lead after 21 minutes when he drifted between Zak Vyner and Hirakawa before heading Nicolas Madsen’s cross past Max O’Leary in the Robins’ net. Having started slowly, Earthy ensured Manning’s Reds would be heading back to the West Country with a point to their name when he calmly slotted past Paul Nardi having been picked out by a smart pass from fellow attacking midfielder Max Bird.

READ MORE: Liam Manning points to ‘dangerous’ QPR pitch in early Max O’Leary update after Bristol City drawREAD MORE: Bristol City U21s 4 – 2 Wigan Athletic U21s recap: Churchley brace helps Reds secure BS3 win

Hirakawa was handed his first start in five matches against the Hoops. The 24-year-old was originally named among the City substitutes but an injury sustained by Mark Sykes in the warm-up at Loftus Road saw the Japanese winger start at right wing-back, with third-choice goalkeeper Lewis Thomas taking the spare place on the bench. Although the Olympian was withdrawn after just 58 minutes of action, Manning was quick to credit his display, particularly given the fact he was called upon so late.

“I think he did some really good bits, to be fair,” the head coach told Bristol Live at Loftus Road. “I think it’s always tough, one: to be thrown on last minute and two: with some of the game planning stuff, but I thought he did some really good bits, Yu.

“There were some really positive things in terms of what we’re looking for from him today and of course, there are bits he could have done better, I think like everybody,” Manning continued. “I don’t think there was anybody who was a major standout today so we’ll reflect and move on.”

Sign up for our City newsletter

Bristol City are fighting to secure their place in the play-off places and you won’t miss a beat with our free newsletter.

All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s completely free and you can sign up HERE

Hirakawa joined the Robins on an initial loan deal from Machida Zelvia during the summer transfer window. Having linked up with Manning’s side for part of their pre-season training camp in Portugal, the 24-year-old was named in the Japan squad that competed at the Paris Olympics, with his participation in the games expected to delay his involvement in City colours.

Ultimately, the winger’s Olympic campaign was brought to a premature end when he sustained an injury in Japan’s opening game against Paraguay which not only ruled him out for the remainder of the competition but also the first three Championship matches of the season. After making his debut off of the bench against Derby County, Hirakawa impressed in the first half of the season whilst typically operating as a wide player in City’s 4-2-3-1 system.

However, since Manning switched to a 3-4-2-1, the 24-year-old has found minutes harder to come by, only starting four of the Reds’ 20 Championship games since Boxing Day. Even with that reduced involvement, the Robins decided to make his move permanent in February with Hirakawa putting pen to paper on a contract which runs until the summer of 2028.

Bristol City Live on Whatsapp

Join Bristol City Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone

Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.

Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.

To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.

We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.

To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to join our WhatsApp community.

Throughout the winger’s first season in England, Manning has insisted it may not be until next term supporters see the best of the Olympian as a result of the sheer amount of football he has played over the last 18 months without any real break. While he is already progressing, his head coach believes further progress will be made over the course of pre-season.

“He really excites me,” Manning explained. “I think he’s got so much. I think he’ll improve massively over the coming months.

“Obviously, coming back pre-season will be a big one, I think he’ll be settled and culturally be adapted but I’ve seen huge strides in training.”

With just four games remaining of the regular Championship season, the Robins currently sit fifth in the table, four points clear of seventh-placed West Brom. Although a lot can change in the final weeks, the Reds are in a strong position to book their place in the play-offs.

With no confirmation yet of how long Sykes will be sidelined by his quad injury, City may need Hirakawa to continue to step and deliver in an unnatural position to get over the line.

READ MORE: Marti Cifuentes has no doubts as he shares Bristol City play-off verdict after Reds’ draw vs QPRREAD MORE: Bristol City face huge Easter as top six spot in Reds’ hands after potentially crucial QPR draw