If habitual Anglo-Welsh protagonists Bristol and Cardiff City are sick of the sight of one another, it is hardly surprising given recent events.

Having met twice in the FA Cup third round already this month, supporters of both clubs could be excused for contemplating a third meeting in 14 days with stale disregard.

Not so new Robins recruit Jamal Campbell-Ryce, whose anticipated debut should guarantee a point of interest above and beyond the petty regional rivalries which so often characterise these contests.

No matter what others may feel, the Jamaica international winger said he is relishing the prospect of tonight's Severnside derby at Ashton Gate.

"I cannot wait to get stuck into Cardiff," enthused Campbell-Ryce, who elected to exchange a potential relegation battle in south Yorkshire for a possible play-off push in the West Country when switching allegiance from Barnsley to Bristol last week.

"It's a local derby, there will be a great atmosphere and it's a game I'd love to be involved in."

The 26-year-old winger's enthusiasm is understandable considering his experiences at Oakwell this season. Regarded as a fans' favourite and an automatic selection during his first two years with the Tykes, Campbell-Ryce suffered a sudden and unexpected fall from grace after erstwhile manager Simon Davey was unceremoniously dumped replaced by former Manchester United striker Mark Robins in October.

Omitted from the starting line-up by a manager who eschewed wingers in favour of a narrower 4-3-3 formation, the Londoner found himself kicking his heels on the substitutes' bench.

Although Barnsley had turned down an offer of close to £1 million from Reading in January last year, they were persuaded to accept around half that amount when City boss Gary Johnson came calling. His close bond with Tykes fans notwithstanding, Campbell-Ryce jumped at the opportunity.

"I had a couple of great seasons at Barnsley, but it was definitely the right time for me to move on," said the former Charlton Athletic trainee.

"Mark Robins came in, had his own agenda and his own ideas and decided to go without wide players.

"That was his choice and it was fair enough. But it was a frustrating time for me. When I heard Bristol City were interested in me, I couldn't wait to talk to them. Once I'd met Gary Johnson, I couldn't wait to sign a contract."

Eager to make up for lost time, Campbell-Ryce insisted he just wants to play football, irrespective of his role in the team. A winger by trade, he can safely be regarded as a replacement for Michael McIndoe, who departed for Coventry City last summer.

"Hopefully, I can be that man," added the new boy, who has committed himself to City for the next two-and-a-half years. "I can play anywhere across the midfield, but most of my football has come as a winger and that's where I think I'll be playing.

"I'll just do as I'm told and play wherever I'm asked to. But having spoken to the gaffer, I think there will be more opportunity for me to play out wide here."

An optimistic person by nature, Campbell-Ryce feels certain joining City will enhance his prospects of one day plying his trade in the Barclays Premier League.

He added: "Barnsley are an ambitious club with great support, but then so is Bristol City. Having played in the Championship myself in the last few years, I've seen what this club has achieved.

"They reached the play-off final two seasons ago and were just one game away from the Premier League. They went close against last year when finishing 10th and they are pushing for the play-offs again. That's something I want to be involved in and I want to be here for the long term."

So, back to tonight's renewal of acquaintance with familiar foes.

"I don't think what happened in the FA Cup last week will have any bearing on this game," said Campbell-Ryce. "The Championship is something altogether different and, hopefully, we'll go out there and give Cardiff a good beating."