Adrian Mariappa has been described as a "really good addition" to the Bristol City squad after making his Robins bow on Tuesday night.
The former Watford defender made his debut for City as Dean Holden's men came from behind to win 2-1 away from home against Queens Park Rangers, with goals from Nahki Wells and Adam Nagy helping the Robins to victory.
It was Mariappa's first game in more than four months, having not featured since Watford's final game of the 2019/20 season against Arsenal, when the Hornets were relegated from the Premier League.
But after coming into the City side and playing the full 90 minutes as Holden's side moved to within one point of top spot in the Championship, the Robins boss was full of praise for the 34-year-old.
“I thought it was very solid. I think it was his first start for over four months, but I think he can be pleased with his night’s work," Holden said.
“He is a fantastic communicator, but just because you are 34 and you have had a good career, it doesn’t mean to say you are going to be this great communicator and leader and organiser, but he is, and he has been a really good addition to the squad.
“Hunty [Jack Hunt] has been outstanding, he has been great for us and has played almost every minute, but we need to assess his injury that he unfortunately picked up. He has been given everything in every game, but he needed a break and Maps [Adrian Mariappa] came in and he was very solid."
