Johnson read a rallying call from midfielder Sproule to the team

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson says his side's late comeback against Nottingham Forest was inspired by absent midfielder Ivan Sproule.

Sproule and his wife lost their baby, who was stillborn, in the week but he still managed to find time to send a message of support to his team-mates.

"You couldn't not have a lump in your throat and tears running down your face," Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We respect him for thinking of us at a time when we're thinking about him."

He added: "It was a major shock to all of us and we're all very close to Ivan. He's everyone's best mate and his wife is very close to the other wives."

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