Bristol City forward Yu Hirakawa could be deployed in a wing-back position when the Championship season starts, says head coach Gerhard Struber.

Hiarakawa has predominantly played as a right-sided winger or in an attacking midfield role for the Robins.

Yet City are short of left-sided wing-backs, with Cameron Pring expected to be out until October and Hirakawa has been deployed there during pre-season.

"I have very deep conversations with Yu, and I think he feels good in this position, and in the last two weeks he has grown in this position and he has shown us in the games good performances, so why not?" Struber told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Nothing is clear, we are flexible with Yu, and he can play in more positions. I think that's a big advantage with him. Right now he looks good in this way."

Struber also praised new striker Emil Riis, who scored three goals in two games against Plymouth and Real Valladolid this summer since signing from Championship rivals Preston.

"Already we realise how important he can be for us, this was the reason we have taken him," Struber said.

"He has a nose for goals, when you play forward, he's a player who can always come with good timing in the back of the defender.

"He is very interesting for us. I am happy also with how he has integrated and taken all the principles in his game."

Joe Williams and Max Bird are not available for the trip to Sheffield United on Saturday as they also recover from injuries, but Struber said that Bird could feature against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup on 12 August.