MICHAEL Bridges admits former team-mate Marcus Stewart played his part in temping the Sunderland striker to Bristol City.

Stewart swapped the Stadium of Light for Ashton Gate earlier this summer and Bridges, despite interest from 11 other clubs, followed at the weekend.

Hartlepool's interest in the striker cooled after Martin Scott bolstered his squad with the arrivals of Chris Llewellyn and ex-Black Cats frontman Michael Proctor.

Nottingham Forest, Derby and Bradford were among the interested clubs and Bridges admitted: "Stewy played a big part in getting me down here. He talked the club up and told me the manager was building a really good squad.

"Once I came down, met the manager and chairman, and saw the ground I didn't have to give it any more thought.''

Bridges' career has been beset by injury problems but, despite only a handful of appearances in recent years - he made just five starts for Sunderland last season - the North Shields-born front man is looking forward to regular football.

He made his City debut in last night's derby at Bristol Rovers and has signed a one-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months.

"Touch wood I haven't had an injury for two years," said Bridges, who played an hour at the Memorial Ground last night.

"Whoever had been playing with the voodoo doll did me no favours, but I believe all the bad luck is in the past.

"The worst injury was a snapped Achilles tendon in the first ten minutes of a European match between Leeds and Malaga. I had just come back from another injury and found myself back in hospital.

"Now I just need regular games and my initial aim is to get into the City first team and stay there. I know the ambition is here to get into the Championship and we'll be giving it a real go this season."

* Sunderland target George Rasiak wants to stay at Derby County.

The Polish international striker said: "There are no problems. I want to stay to help Derby back to the Premier League. This is the most important thing for me now.

"I also believe that if I play well for Derby, it will help me to win the battle to be a starter in Polish team before next year's World Cup finals."

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