Ireland international Callum O'Dowda returns to league action after five months out with ankle injury

Republic of Ireland international Callum O'Dowda made his long-awaited return from injury as he took his place in the starting line-up for Bristol City's 2-0 loss at Millwall on Friday.

The winger played for the first time since suffering a serious ankle injury during a 3-2 win over Hull City in November.

22-year-old O'Dowda was thrown straight back into the starting line-up despite experiencing some inflammation on the joint earlier this week, requiring an injection.

He couldn't prevent the Robins from falling to a 2-0 defeat to relegation-battling Millwall, a result that sees their chances of a play-off spot recede further with five games remaining.

The seven-times-capped O'Dowda joined Bristol City in July 2016 after impressing during Oxford United's successful campaign to gain promotion from League Two.

"Callum offers that speed and option over the top,” manager Lee Johnson said before the game.

“We signed him with the hope that he would turn into the player he has become.

"He was personally playing so well before he got injured and he does give us that speed.

"[He is] a real option to mix and match the team due to the athleticism he has.”