Nicky Maynard says his £2.25 million switch to Bristol City is the ideal place for him to progress his career. Maynard, 21, agreed a new four-year contract at Ashton Gate and will now hopefully make his debut for his new club this evening against Royal Antwerp.

Maynard, who scored 35 goals in just 57 starts for Crewe stated: "I am excited by the move and I think it is the ideal place for me to further my career. I have had a chance to look around and I think it is the perfect place for me.

"Gary (Johnson) has told me that the players here are on a high after their success last season. They just missed out on a place in the Premiership last season and hopefully I can help them go one step further. It is every player's dream to play at the highest level.

"I think I can adapt quickly to playing in the Championship. I don't feel any pressure with the fee. I just want to concentrate on my football and score as many goals as I can.

"I overcame my broken leg last season and finished the season strongly for Crewe. It took me a bit of time to come back from the injury - but I was scoring goals towards the end of the season and felt back to my best. Hopefully, I can take that form into the new season now with Bristol."