Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has spoken of his relief at signing flying winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce from Coca-Cola Championship rivals Barnsley.

Johnson completed his first capture of the January transfer window and admitted: "I'm just pleased he will be playing for us instead of against us in the future."

The winger agreed personal terms in Bristol yesterday and was today expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract, subject to passing a medical examination at Ashton Gate.

Campbell-Ryce produced some his very best performances in a Barnsley shirt in games against City, a factor which persuaded Johnson to offer an undisclosed six-figure fee for the 26-year-old Jamaica international.

Johnson confirmed: "Whenever Jamal has played against my teams, he's always been the opposition's best player. He's an exciting player and he's the type of player we need here. He's value for money and I'm just pleased he won't be playing against my team anymore."

Not only will Campbell-Ryce provide direct competition for Northern Ireland right-winger Ivan Sproule, but also offer the kind of left-sided attacking option which has been missing since Michael McIndoe was sold to Coventry City last summer.

Acknowledging his new signing's versatility, Johnson added: "He's got many strings to his bow. He can play anywhere across the midfield, is comfortable on both wings and can play up front in a three.

"He'll say his favourite position is left or right wing. He's got two good feet and scores spectacular goals on occasions. He could be (a replacement for McIndoe) – he's comfortable out on the left and played against us recently in that position. He gives us the opportunity to play wingers on either side."

Born in Lambeth, Campbell-Ryce launched his professional career with Charlton Athletic in 2001 and made his Football League debut a year later while on loan at Leyton Orient. Unable to break into Charlton's Premier League side, he gained further experience on loan to MK Dons and Chesterfield before securing a move to Rotherham United on a free transfer in November 2004.

He made 27 appearances in 18 months for the Millers, but later established himself as a first-team regular at Southend United, who picked him up on a free in July 2006 after he had spent loan spells with the Shrimpers and their Essex rivals Colchester United.

Barnsley's then-manager Simon Davey was persuaded to pay an undisclosed fee for the winger 12 months later and Campbell-Ryce quickly found his feet in the Championship, establishing a reputation as one of the quickest players in the second tier.

In all, he made 100 appearances for the Tykes and scored 13 goals.

A regular selection under Davey, the Londoner fell out of favour following the appointment of Mark Robins in early October. He last started a game for the Tykes when City won 3-2 at Oakwell on October 24 and was hauled off after 53 minutes, since when he has been used only as a substitute.

Eager to rediscover his form of last season and play regular first-team football at Ashton Gate, Campbell-Ryce says he is impressed by City's ambition.

He said: "You can see what the club has achieved over the last few years. It's a club with a fantastic fan-base and the manager's done a terrific job here.

"I just want to play a part now as the club strives for the play-offs and hopefully we can go one better than the last time the club made it to the play-off final.

"My ambition is to play at the highest level and that's the Premier League. Currently I'm one league away from it but I want to achieve that ultimate aim with Bristol City.

"There are exciting times ahead for the club – I've been told all about the new stadium plans – and it seems like it's onwards and upwards here."

Campbell-Ryce could make his Bristol City debut in Tuesday's Championship clash with Cardiff at Ashton Gate.