Nigel Pearson admits Antoine Semenyo's immediate future is out of his control after the striker made it two in two on his comeback from injury in a thrilling but deflating 3-3 draw at Blackpool.
The City manager introduced the powerful striker in the 60th minute for Alex Scott with the Robins 2-1 behind through Jerry Yates' goal after some slack defending from a corner.
Semenyo made an instant impact, scoring with just his second touch when he superbly fired the ball across keeper Dan Grimshaw. That's two goals in 47 minutes for the forward following his cameo against Wycombe on his return from a shin injury.
The striker has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace and while their interest is genuine, it's understood there have been no bids launched from the Premier League club for his signature. Bournemouth are also thought to be among top flight sides looking into his availability.
Returning with a bang from injury will also increase his interest with Thursday's 11pm transfer deadline day looming. Although Pearson fired a warning shot to any clubs hoping to prize him away.
Speaking after the draw against Blackpool, when asked about the striker's future at City, he said: "I'm not worried about anything like that. What's there to worry about?
"It's not in my control. It will be expensive if somebody comes in."
It's believed City value their prized-asset at around £20million while owner Steve Lansdown said earlier in the month that he wouldn't stand in the striker's way if a Premier League came calling.
Unlike last season when Semenyo's comeback at the beginning of last season was cut short, the 22-year-old has immediately hit the ground running and looked every inch of the player that tormented defences in the second half of last season.
His introduction appeared to inspire the side to Pearson's first hat-trick of league wins as City boss after they came from behind on two occasions. Tommy Conway maintained his fine form with the initial equaliser at half-time before Yates' strike.
Semenyo then pulled City level before Marvin Ekpiteta's own-goal looked to have sealed the victory. Subsitute Theo Cornbeanu ensured the points were shared at the death when he took advantage of a defensive error when Kal Naismith played Zak Vyner into trouble.
Prolific at one end but disappointing at the other, Pearson was content with the overall performance and application his side showed claiming clear progress has been made following the 3-1 defeat here last season.
He added: "I know we've played well and I don't think there was anybody in the stadium who didn't think it would finish with us winning but mistakes happen and unfortunate for us, it's cost us at the end.
"It's the first time we've gone behind this season in a game and we responded very, very well. It's a shame for the players as much as anything and certainly, for the fans, it's been a very entertaining game.
"The work rate was very very evident again in terms of how we caused problems for our opponents and to score three goals away from home. But I also recognise that they caused us problems with their direct style.
"We can't change it now it's just frustrating in some ways but I recognise that in the past we would have lost that game definitely. We have more substance to our collective spirit and I think that's really important to recognise.
"As an attacking force we always back ourselves to have a relatively successful day but we played a side whose style asked us a lot of questions. But I won't be over-critical. I would hope that our fans go away today and know they have a team who had a real go and I've questioned that in the past. They'll be disappointed."
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