Lee Johnson has had his say on new Bristol City recruit Filip Benkovic, describing the defender as an "important" addition to the Robins squad.

Benkovic, 22, joined the BS3 side on loan until the end of the season from Leicester City on deadline day, and arrives in Bristol with a lot of promise.

Robins boss Lee Johnson spoke about his new signing in his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday night's game against Birmingham City at Ashton Gate, and had nothing but positive words to say about the Croatian, also revealing some details about the negotiation process.

"At the start of the window when we confirmed a verbal [agreement with Leicester], we had circumstances going into that. Three or four losses on the spin, Baker (had a knock), Kalas (injured)," Johnson told the Bristol Post.

"To commit to that back line is important," Johnson said.

The defender spent the duration of last season on loan at Celtic, where he won the Scottish Premiership with the Bhoys.

Despite his potential, the defender has been down the pecking order at Leicester City this season, with Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu all ahead of him in the team.

The deal all depended on the Foxes bringing in another defender to cover for Benkovic's impending departure, and Ryan Bennett's move to the King Power Stadium from Wolves gave Bristol City the green light to get their man.

Benkovic could potentially make his Robins debut against Birmingham City on Friday.

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The Verdict

For Bristol City to get this deal over the line represents a real statement of intent.

Benkovic has the potential to be one of the best January signings in the Championship, but the Croatian has to adjust to the rigours of the Championship quickly in order for that to happen.

There will also be competition from Ashley Williams, Tomas Kalas and Nathan Baker for a starting centre-back role, which may make Benkovic work twice as hard in training.