New signing Ivan Sproule winged in to Ashton Gate from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian this evening and immediately pledged to put a smile on City supporters' faces.

The Northern Ireland international was huge fans favourite at Easter Road, where he won a CIS Insurance Cup winners medal last season.

He told bcfc.co.uk: "I just can't wait to get my boots on and show people what I am capable of.

"If I can do that I'll be smiling and hopefully you'll see a whole stand smiling as well.

"But this is a big step up for me and I need to build myself a new reputation.

"It is a good league up in Scotland but it is an even stronger one, in my opinion, down here.

"There are some good players at this club already and I am going to have to work hard and fight for my place."

The 26-year-old has yet to play south of the border in his career to date, but made it clear he saw joining City as a boost to his international prospects.

"I have nothing but good words for Hibs as a club - and all the players, staff and supporters - they were great to me," he added.

"But it was a football decision to move down here. Gary was a big factor and as a club they made it clear they were determined to get me.

"It is an exciting time for Bristol City, they are a club on the up which is good for me and my international amibitions.

"I am very excited about working with Gary next season."