Former Motherwell manager Maurice Malpas believes Bristol City have made an astute signing after completing a deal for Scotland striker David Clarkson.

The Well frontman joined City last week after an offer believed to be in the region of £800,000 was accepted.

And Malpas, who was Terry Butcher's assistant at Fir Park when Clarkson was handed a senior debut as a 17-year-old, insists that the striker will prove a big hit in the Championship.

He said: "We brought him into the Motherwell first-team as a kid and he had two very good seasons.

"He was somewhat of a wonder-kid when he first burst on the scene but he suffered a burn-out effect and had a difficult third season.

"He seems to have kicked on again over the last couple of seasons and I think he a decent player that will prove to be a good signing for Bristol City.

"David will handle the move from the Scottish Premier League to the Championship without any problems.

"He will have to work on improving his strength because the Championship will be more physical, but having said that the Scottish Premier League is played at a quicker pace so he will have the benefit of that."

Clarkson has scored 56 goals in more than 200 appearances for Motherwell and Malpas believes that there is still more improvement to come from the Belshill-born frontman.

"What stood out for me when we had him was his desperation to improve and do well," Malpas added.

"He is vastly experienced in terms of the number of games he has played for a 23-year-old kid and there is still plenty more to come from him. He also has a great attitude towards the game and is a lovely lad to have around the place.

"David isn't the biggest in terms of height or the quickest in terms of pace, but he has a real nuisance value for defenders. He also has got fantastic movement and will score goals. He will also create goals because his movement is so good in the final thirty yards and he is also very willing to run the channels."

Clarkson scored on his international debut last summer and has since earned one more Scotland cap and Malpas added: "He got in the Scotland team last season, and without any disrespect to Motherwell it is probably time for him to challenge himself elsewhere.

"If he can go to Bristol City and establish himself as a first-team regular I think that will improve his chances of earning further international recognition."