PHIL Parkinson reckons the coup of signing Brad Jones will provide a timely lift as City seek a first win of the season against Gillingham.

After the frustration of seeing another half-time lead squandered and Billy Clarke’s knee injury, the arrival of the former Liverpool keeper has raised spirits.

City beat off Championship interest from the likes of Charlton to clinch a one-year deal with the Australian.

Jones is unlikely to go straight into action at Valley Parade tonight but a delighted Parkinson sees the end of their drawn-out keeper search as the perfect pick-me-up.

He said: “Sometimes patience and perseverance pays off. Of all the keepers available in the summer for free, Brad is the best one.

“We could all sign players in the first week of May. But the better ones you’ve got to compete for and we’ve had to be patient to get a really good goalkeeper in the building.

“Right up to this weekend we were still competing with one or two clubs to get his signature.

“There’s always a down side because those players sometimes miss football. But the benefit will be seen as the season progresses.”

Chris Kirkland changed his mind to sign for Preston last week and City also turned down the chance to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen.

But Parkinson revealed that Jones had been in his thoughts since hearing he had left Anfield at the end of the season – although he even kept it from his staff until a few days ago.

He added: “I know he had the option to stay in the Premier League as a number two. But it shows his determination and that he’s not money-driven.

“He wants to be involved here and compete for that number one shirt.”

“There have been trials and tribulations getting the right keeper in the building. It’s been hard but it always is.

“Brad is determined to make an impact and I feel we’ve got a really top signing.”

But City are braced for bad news over Clarke, who had a scan on his knee injury yesterday. Parkinson admitted it has been a testing start to the season as they prepare for unbeaten Gillingham.

“We’ve had a few challenges already, missing a couple of pens and then conceding a freakish goal on Saturday. Then we put the two wide players on to go and win it and Clarkey picks up an injury straight away.

“Gillingham caught Sheffield United on the hop on the opening day and they are a good team. We’re going to have to earn that victory.

“Saturday was a little bit 100mph at times but we had the best chances to win the game, hitting the post and having two off the line.

“We’ve got to improve in areas and adjust a few things in our general play. We’ve looked at that with the lads.

“Maybe Shrewsbury’s goal was a little bit fortunate but we’ve spoken to the defenders about what we need to do better. It’s refreshing for me to see the honesty and determination of the lads we’ve got here – they are a terrific bunch.

“The discipline and work ethic of team was great and we’ve got to maintain that.”