City today made a double signing to boost Stuart McCall's options on the eve of the new campaign.

Winger Alex Rhodes has penned a month-by-month contract until January 9 after impressing McCall during his trial period at the club.

And the City boss has also plugged the gap in his attack by snapping up exotically-named striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu on loan from Gillingham. The 24-year-old, born in the Congo, has joined on loan until New Year's Day.

Ndumbu-Nsungu appeared at Valley Parade last season when City beat Gillingham 4-2 in a dramatic encounter.

He began his career with Amiens in France before joining Sheffield Wednesday in September 2003, scoring 11 goals for the Owls.

He scored a further 11 times for Darlington and has also played for Preston, Colchester and Cardiff before joining Gillingham last summer, notching five goals.

The arrival of former City loanee David Graham at the Priestfield earlier this week has allowed boss Ronnie Jepson to let him go out on loan.

With Peter Thorne still nursing a hip injury, Ndumbu-Nsungu is expected to go straight in for his City debut against Macclesfield on Saturday.

Rhodes played one half for the reserves in yesterday's practice match at Sheffield Wednesday. City won 2-1 with goals from Luke Medley and Kyle Nix.

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our on-line forum - Click here