BRISTOL City's capture of England goalkeeper David James has given his team-mates a timely boost on the eve of the new Championship season, according to David Clarkson.

The striker has welcomed manager Steve Coppell's attempts to bolster a squad which has been hit hard by injuries and the departure of several senior players.

James agreed a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months last Friday in what must rate as the most startling transfer of the summer so far, and the 40-year-old stopper will make his debut in Saturday's Ashton Gate opener against newly-promoted Millwall.

News of his arrival served to lift players who had worked hard during pre-season and Clarkson said: "Everybody is really excited.

"It's a good thing for the club and the fans, who are now looking forward to the season, and it's good for the players.

"To have someone of David James' experience on board is a massive boost. Someone who has played as many Premier League games as he has is sure to have a major influence in the dressing room.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the country and we are looking forward to having him here this season. Such a high-profile signing shows the club's intent and ambition and these are the type of players we need to bring in if we want to progress to the next level."

With Nicky Maynard and Danny Haynes missing through injury, Clarkson is in line to spearhead City's attack in the opening game. And the Scot is aiming to put a difficult first season behind him and establish himself as a first-team regular.

Signed from Motherwell in July last year, Clarkson was sidelined by a serious illness soon afterwards and struggled to regain his place. But his performances during pre-season suggest he is finally ready to prove his worth in the English second tier.

"That's all in the past and it's the here and now that interests me," he added. "I played in all the games in pre-season and I think that has helped me.

"I've scored a few goals, I'm feeling sharp and I think the formations we have been playing suit my game. I'm playing in a central striking role and I'm happy with that.

"I know it's up to me to show what I can do, give the manager food for thought and stake a claim.

"I'd like to think I can feature more than I did last season and, hopefully, I have done enough to start the first game. The rest is up to me."