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John Akinde has joined local rivals Bristol Rovers on loan until January 5th.

The City striker will go straight into the squad for the League One club's home game versus Southampton tomorrow.

The six-foot, two-inch forward has made three substitute appearances so far this term, and has previously enjoyed loan spells at Wycombe Wanderers (twice) and Brentford.

Manager Keith Millen told bcfc.co.uk: "Now we've brought in Brett Pitman and Jon Stead, John's first team opportunities are going to be limited.

"For the sake of his own career he needs to get games under his belt and this loan offers him just that.

"It's convenient because the move is local and he won't have to move anywhere. We're also able to keep an eye on his performances.

"However, the main thing is he gets playing some games between now and Christmas."

He is the first player to cross the footballing divide in Bristol since goalkeeper Steve Phillips joined Rovers in 2006. A year earlier forward Lee Matthews made a loan switch to the Memorial Stadium.

John has been given the number nine shirt by Bristol Rovers.

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