Bristol City have signed Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus on loan until the end of the season.

City manager Derek McInnes had been desperate to add options to his defensive line following a recent slump in form and has moved to add the centre-back McManus, 29, to his squad.

McManus has featured 20 times for Boro this term, and McInnes was pleased to have landed his man.

He told the Robins' official website: "I'm delighted we've got Stephen on loan until the end of the season, given his experience and calibre.

"We're not just signing a player, we're signing a man, a captain and a leader. He's captained Scotland and Celtic - and I want as many captains in my team as possible.

"He'll bring a presence to our back four having played at the highest level in Scotland for many years. He hasn't featured for Middlesbrough as much as he would have liked but this move enables to do what he does best."