CITY have this afternoon signed centre half Adam Thompson from Bury.

The Northern Ireland international has joined on loan until the end of the season - finally ending the club's summer-long search to fill the hole left by Rory McArdle's exit.

Thompson was thought to be among the targets considered as a possible replacement but instead opted to join big-spending Bury.

But he has found himself out of Lee Clark's plans since the arrival of Alex Bruce.

The 24-year-old, who began his career at Watford, has spent the last four seasons with Southend.

He is currently away with the Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Czech Republic along with new team-mate Shay McCartan.

So Thompson will not be available for City's televised clash with Bristol Rovers at the weekend.