Last updated at 16:14, Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Bristol City ace Jennison Myrie-Williams today joined Carlisle United on an initial one-month loan with boss John Ward aiming to tie up a long-term deal for the flying frontman.

Jennison Myrie-Williams

Myrie-Williams, who can play on either wing or up front, is set to link up with the Blues squad in time for Saturday’s massive League One showdown with Leeds at Brunton Park.

Robins boss Gary Johnson last night announced that Carlisle had made an approach for the 20-year-old and Ward today confirmed he was looking to bring the player in for “a long spell”.

“Jennison has got explosive pace and can change a game, whether coming off the bench on from the start of a game,” said the United chief.

“I’d like to have him for quite a long spell but that depends on what Gary Johnson comes back to me with.”

Myrie-Williams had two spells playing under Ward at Cheltenham and also impressed in a six-month stint at Tranmere last term.

Ward moved quickly after he and assistant Greg Abbott watched the speedy Londoner in action for Cheltenham in their 4-1 defeat at Hartlepool on Friday night.

That game heralded the end of Myrie-Williams’ loan spell at Whaddon Road as Robins manager Keith Downing became League One’s first managerial casualty of the season.

Ward added: “He is quick, sharp and will add real competition to an already good front line.

“It lets people know we are ambitious to try and move on and improve.”

Myrie-Williams’ arrival will put pressure on first-choice wingers Simon Hackney and Cleveland Taylor while providing Ward with another option down the middle.

The United manager insisted the 20-year-old was not bring signed in anticipation of any departures. But he hinted that he may allow certain fringe players to go out on loan.

“I’ve got players who want to play, but the idea is to bring Jennison in to strengthen the group,” said Ward.

“If other things happen, they happen, but at the moment there is nothing going on.”

Ashton Gate chief Johnson said: “Jennison is a little way down the pecking order for us, and needs to be playing games.

“This will be a good move for him, because Carlisle are doing well at the moment.”

Striker Michael Bridges, meanwhile, is out of the Leeds clash as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

“Michael did some very light work on the bike yesterday and we will step things up as the week goes on,” said Ward. “The weekend will be too early – he’s not even jogging at the moment – but it’s not as serious as it could have been. He will be out for two or three weeks maximum.” Chris Lumsdon will have minor surgery on his back problem tomorrow but this will not extend his lay-off, with the midfielder eight weeks away from a return.

First published at 11:47, Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk