Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham signs for Bristol City

Bristol City have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland defender Greg Cunningham from Manchester City.

Cunningham, 21, made just two league appearances for Manchester City, and left the club for an undisclosed fee after visiting Ashton Gate in the past few days. Cunningham undertook a medical examination in Bristol, and has ironed out personal terms with the Robins.

Bristol City boss Derek McInnes has been on the lookout for a left-back after allowing Jamie McAllister to leave the club after six seasons. McInnes had been linked with Dundee United's Paul Dixon, but has swooped for Cunningham, telling the club's official website: "The left back position is one that we've needed to strengthen and fill.

"Greg is someone who has interested us for a long time," McInnes continued. "We scouted Nottingham Forest a number of times at the back end of last season and he really caught the eye.

"He's a good player who is only going to improve. Greg is a solid defender, determined and full of energy and pace.

"We had a number of options put to us in that position but good left-backs are hard to find and Greg was always the one we wanted. I believe we have secured the services of one of the best up-and-coming left backs

"It's a great financial deal for the club and we get an excellent player out of it on a long-term, secure contract."

Cunningham has spent time away from the City of Manchester Stadium on loan in the past few seasons, impressing during spells at Leicester City and Nottingham Forest. In 2010, the Galway-born defender received his first senior call-up under Giovanni Trapattoni and made his debut in the May friendly against Algeria at the RDS.

He can also play in left midfield and has signed a four year contract with Bristol City.