Wigan Athletic right-back James Tavernier has joined League One side Bristol City on loan until the end of the season, reports the Bristol Post. 

James Tavernier
James Tavernier has joined Bristol City on loan

The 23-year-old will go straight into the City squad for the trip to Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

Tavernier is considered a replacement for Todd Kane, who was recalled by parent club Chelsea and has since joined Nottingham Forest.

The former Newcastle United full-back joins fellow loan signing George Saville, who joined the Robins earlier today from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

City boss Steve Cotterill spoke to the Bristol Post of the Tavernier move: "We were looking at James last year and we are pleased to be able to bring him on board, especially after losing Todd Kane, who was able to play that wing-back role as well. He will give us extra legs and quality during our run-in.

"It is no coincidence that both George and James won promotion last season. It's great to have people who know how to get over the line."

The right-back started his career at Newcastle but was unable to force his way into the first-team and enjoyed a loan spell at Rotherham United last season, scoring five times in 27 appearances as the Millers won promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs.

Cotterill had tried to sign Tavernier at the end of last season but lost out to Wigan, then managed by Uwe Rosler.

He has since dropped down the pecking order at the DW Stadium following the appointment of Malky Mackay in mid-November and was left out of the squad altogether in last Saturday's 3-1 loss to Birmingham City.

Bristol City are second in League One only on goal difference and have a game in hand over leaders Swindon Town.