BRISTOL City are considering making Gary Sawyer the first signing of the Steve Coppell era.

Appointed as the long-term successor to Gary Johnson last week, Coppell will start the process of assembling a squad for next season when he officially takes up his post next month.

And 24-year-old left-back Sawyer could be offered a deal after making an impressive debut in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Championship rivals Derby County.

Signed on loan from Plymouth Argyle until the end of the season, the Devonian has had to wait patiently in line for his chance behind the likes of Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Liam Fontaine.

But Coppell's preference for a flat back four, and Fontaine's absence through injury, meant Sawyer was promoted to the starting line-up for the first time, and he made the most of his opportunity.

He is likely to play in the final game of the season at Blackpool on Sunday, and caretaker boss Keith Millen said: "Gary is under consideration.

"Everyone knows we need to find cover on the left side of defence and he is an experienced Championship player. He has played more than 30 games for Plymouth this season and knows what this league is all about.

"He has had to be patient and wait for his chance, but I thought he did ever so well on his debut.

"Although it has been difficult for him, he has been bright in training, has shown up well in the reserve games and fitted in really well.

"He's enjoying it here, and we like what we have seen of him so far. Gary has a good chance of playing against Blackpool, and that game will give him another chance to show us what he can do."

Out of contract at Home Park at the end of the season, Sawyer has turned down the offer of a new deal from relegated Plymouth and is determined to find a new club, rather than ply his trade in League One. Although Fontaine and Lewin Nyatanga have both played at left-back this season, both are more at home in the centre of defence and City need competition for first-choice Jamie McAllister as a matter of priority.

Meanwhile, out-of-contract youngsters Frankie Artus, Tristan Plummer and Ashley Kington will have another opportunity to impress watching managers and scouts when they play in today's reserve fixture against Bournemouth at Ashton Gate (2pm).

All three have been told they must find themselves new clubs at the end of this season as Coppell and Millen seek to trim the squad and free up cash for summer signings.

Millen said: "We're doing what we can to find clubs for these lads and we're trying to get managers here to watch them.

"That is why these reserve-team games are so important for them. They are playing for their futures, and it's up to them to show what they can do."