Bristol City have signed All Whites striker Chris Wood on a loan deal from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the English football season.
The 20-year-old Aucklander recently returned from a successful loan spell with another Championship (second tier) club, Birmingham City, where he became the club’s top scorer with 10 goals in 28 games.
"Chris is someone I've been aware of for a while and I tried to sign him at St Johnstone," Bristol City manager Derek McInnes told the club website.
"He’s a big lad, with good feet and he’s already shown himself to be a proven goalscorer in the Championship.
"I'm sure he will prove a valuable addition to the squad. I've seen him play a number of times; he’s young, hungry and I'm sure he will enjoy his time with us."
Auckland-born Wood came through the WBA youth set-up and has made six starts and 21 substitute appearances for the Premier League club.
Wood was pleased to have his short term future secured, even though Bristol City are struggling in 19th place in the Championship.
"Now looking forward to a new test and a new challenge!," he said on his Twitter account.
"Glad to be at Bristol City and hope it’s going to be good for us both."
He spent time on loan at Barnsley last season, followed by a succesful spell with Brighton, where he scored nine goals in 31 games.
Wood’s first game for his new club could be away to Brighton on Sunday morning (NZT).
Wood has won 17 international caps for New Zealand and was a member of their 2010 World Cup squad.
