West Ham youngster set for Ricoh Arena bow

Bristol City are likely to have a new signing in their back four for Saturday's visit to the Ricoh Arena to face a Coventry City side keen to build on their 1-1 draw with Leicester last weekend.

With former Sky Blues man Louis Carey just one defensive casualty, Robins boss Keith Millen has snapped up West Ham United's highly-rated Jordan Spence, 20, as cover at the back.

'I don't think anywhere's easy to go but I'm prepared for it and will give it a go,' Spence told BBC Radio Bristol.

'I was hoping somebody would come in for me so I've been ready and preparing myself physically and mentally for the opportunity.

'I'm here to play and do well for Bristol City first and foremost, and then the experience and where that takes me will be a positive thing as well.

'I operate at right-back or centre-half. I'd like to say I'm a composed defender, I've obviously been brought up playing football at West Ham, and one of my key attributes is that I'm quite quick, I'm decent across the grass and I look to get forward when the time's right.'

For the home side, manager Aidy Boothroyd will have to reshuffle as Martin Cranie, who has been performing an effective role as a midfielder in recent weeks, serves a one-match ban.

Boothroyd told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: 'Cranie's been superb for us. He's a Rolls Royce and has been playing out of position.

'We're disappointed we've lost him for the next game but it is only one game.'

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