SAM Vokes insists he is ready, willing and able to help injury-ravaged Bristol City in their hour of need.

Vokes has been signed from Premier League Wolves on a five-month loan deal, and the 20-year-old Wales international striker is needed to bolster an attack which has been weakened by the absence of Nicky Maynard and Danny Haynes.

But City boss Steve Coppell has poured scorn on a national newspaper report linking City with Manchester United striker Michael Owen, describing the rumours as "fantasy island stuff".

With tongue lodged firmly in cheek, he said: "We've tried for Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi, but they haven't returned our calls yet!

"I try to ignore reports like this, but of course people will ask me the question."

Maynard and Haynes, last season's leading goalscorers, are sidelined by injury and Coppell will almost certainly hand Vokes a debut against Millwall in tomorrow's opening game of the npower Championship season at Ashton Gate.

The former Bournemouth star trained with his new team-mates yesterday and could partner David Clarkson if Coppell decides to drop the 4-3-3 formation deployed against Blackpool in last weekend's friendly in favour of a 4-4-2 shape.

"I've played quite a few pre-season games for Wolves and feel fit and ready to go," said Vokes, whose opportunities at Molineux have been restricted by the presence of Republic of Ireland star Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

"I know about the injury crisis that has hit the club. It's an ongoing thing but I hope to come and help out and score a few goals along the way.

He added: "It's a great move for me because I need to play some games and there's no better place than this to come.

"I've got three years left on my contract at Wolves and this is a good club to be with. We'll have to see how the loan goes, but it's a chance for me to play some games and impress the management at Bristol City. Bristol isn't too far away from Bournemouth and I know a lot about the club. I've played against City a number of times, both with Wolves and Bournemouth, and I've been linked with the club in the past."

Former City boss Gary Johnson tried to sign Vokes from Bournemouth in May 2008, only for Wolves to make a better offer.

But the Southampton-born striker has made just four starts for the Premier League side. He has made a further 37 appearances as a substitute and scored six goals.

Capped 16 times by Wales, he has scored twice for his country.

Vokes spent a short loan spell at Leeds last term, where he registered one goal in nine League One appearances. His contract at Wolves runs until 2013.

Coppell's search for attacking cover has been exhaustive. He said: "Sam's been a player that has been a thorn in the side of my old team Reading over the years. He's always looked a handful and that's a good thing. There are a number of forwards at Wolves and maybe opportunities there are limited.

"I speak with (Wolves manager) Mick (McCarthy) quite regularly and, hopefully, this deal will be off benefit to both clubs."

Tom Williams, the left-back who was on trial with City during the summer, has signed a six-month contract and will be included in the squad to face Millwall.