Radek Vitek impressed between the posts as Bristol City beat Sheffield United at Bramall LaneRadek Vitek made his Bristol City debut in the Reds’ win over Sheffield United(Image: Photo by Rogan/Bristol City)

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.

READ MORE: Bristol City match double-winning start as ‘Super Struber’ makes early statement of intentREAD MORE: Bristol City verdict: Reds banish demons as Twine’s ‘special leg’ fires Struber to perfect start

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.

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.

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.”

READ MORE: Gerhard Struber addresses Fally Mayulu absence after Bristol City score four in opening day winREAD MORE: Sheffield United 1-4 Bristol City recap: Twine, McCrorie and Mehmeti hand Struber’s Reds win