Addressing the media on the day Bristol City announced Paul Hartley's arrival from Celtic, manager Gary Johnson highlighted his team's need for an experienced old hand.

That was more than two months ago, since when the 32-year-old Scotland international has gone quietly and effectively about his business in a manner which suggests he might yet emerge as the pick of City's summer signings.

Based on the evidence available from the matches he has played so far, former Hearts midfielder Hartley represents a shrewd acquisition on the part of a manager whose transfer dealings have, on occasions, been open to question.

Deployed in a central role just in front of the defence, the Scot has demonstrated a range of passing not seen at Ashton Gate since Brian Tinnion was in his pomp.

Anyone who doubts that assertion should have witnessed the recent game against Middlesbrough, in which Hartley provided the ammunition for Nicky Maynard to score twice and deliver three points.

His ability to whip in free-kicks and corners at pace is an attribute which has already caused pandemonium in opposition defences, while his coolness under pressure has seen him lay claim to the mantle of penalty taker.

Hartley's contribution does not end there and his strength in the challenge and willingness to put himself in harm's way to break up play has given rise to comparisons with former Bristol City captain Tommy Doherty, whom he resembles in appearance.

But the combative midfielder has performed at an altogether higher level and City are the latest to benefit from knowledge gained playing in the UEFA Champions League and on the international stage for Scotland.

"I think that's why Gary Johnson signed me in the first place," said Hartley.

"He needed someone with experience, and a wise old head, and I was available at the end of my Celtic contract.

"The gaffer asked me if I would be prepared to come down and join what was basically a young squad of players and help the kids to improve their game.

"I've had quite a few clubs and played a lot of matches during my career and he wanted to tap into that."

A softly-spoken individual, Hartley nevertheless exudes the kind of calm authority which demands respect and several of the younger players have spoken in glowing terms of how his encouragement and advice have helped them improve.

"I'm always happy to sit down and talk with the youngsters and discuss ways in which they can take their game on," added Hartley, who started out at Hamilton Academical before representing Millwall, Raith, Hibernian, St Johnstone, Hearts and Celtic.

"There are some very talented young players at Bristol City and the manager is putting together the nucleus of what could become a good team for many seasons to come.

"If I can help with the development of those players in any way, then all well and good."

Top scorer Maynard attributes his rich vein of form, at least in part, to Hartley's vision and ability to deliver defence-splitting through balls. There is no doubt Bristol City's £2.25 million record signing has presented a more potent threat to Championship defences since Hartley's arrival.

He said: "Nicky is getting better all the time and he's capable of scoring a lot of goals at this level.

"From what I've been told, he needed last season to settle in and find his feet in the Championship. But he's done that and can now come into his own.

"We always talk on the training ground and I've told him to keep working hard and making runs into the penalty area, because I'm looking to play him in whenever I can. So far, I think it's working well."