Bristol City boss Gary Johnson admits he has one eye on the future with his decision to sign Australia international Nick Carle.The Robins have agreed an undisclosed fee with Turkish club Genclerbirligi for the 26-year-old midfielder, who is waiting to hear whether he will be granted a visa.

Johnson's side are level on points with Championship leaders West Brom following their New Year's Day victory over Coventry at Ashton Gate, and the City boss hope he acquisition of Carle will boost the club's promotion aspirations during the second half of the campaign.

"He is versatile and he has quality," said Johnson. "I think we are getting exactly what we need at just the right time.

"But we are also looking to the future and he has already shown he can play at the top level in Turkey and with the Australia national side.

"It makes sense to look ahead. When we were in League One we signed players who we thought could also play in the Championship when we got there."

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