BRISTOL City new boy John Akinde says he will be ready, willing and able if called upon at Sheffield United this weekend.

City's latest signing made an immediate impact when coming on as a second-half substitute in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Plymouth and scoring his first League goal on his debut.

The teenager's all-action display means he is now in line to make the long trip to Bramall Lane this weekend when City take on the Blades in their final fixture before the two-week international break. And 19-year-old Akinde insists he is up for the challenge.

"If I get another chance, I'll be ready," declared the £150,000 summer signing from Ebbsfleet. "You can come on at any time when you're on the bench and you have to be prepared. I always expect to come on and I psyche myself up with that in mind.

"My aim was to make an impact when I came on (against Plymouth) and I think I managed to do that. It was great to score a goal and to see the team play so well after a poor first half.

"I'd love to be involved on Saturday, but that's up to the manager and all I can do is keep working hard."

A half-time replacement for record signing Nicky Maynard, Akinde did enough on his debut to suggest he is ready for English football's second tier.

Injuries to Maynard and Steve Brooker mean Akinde will almost certainly travel to Sheffield with the rest of the first-team squad tomorrow.

Maynard started against Plymouth despite a slight injury and the manager's decision to risk him backfired as he struggled to make an impact. Brooker is still recovering from a tendon problem in his ankle and Johnson could make a change in attack at Bramall Lane.

Deployed as a second-half substitute, Lee Trundle impressed against Plymouth and is now pushing for a recall. Alternatively, Johnson could hand Akinde his first start alongside Dele Adebola.

But City's manager is wary of rushing the 19-year-old and warned: "It has to be one step at a time for John. He's still learning and improving on all aspects of his game and the last thing we want to do is rush him before he's properly ready.

"I thought he did really well on his debut. He's quick and strong and he gives defenders something to think about."

Michael McIndoe, Louis Carey and Marvin Elliott are expected to recover from injury in time to make the trip to South Yorkshire.

City put their defence of the Wales & West Division Combination title back on track when beating Cheltenham Town 1-0 at Whaddon Road thanks to Marvin Jackson's goal in the last minute.