Derby County's Stephen Pearson in Bristol City switch

Pearson fired Derby to the Premier League in 2007 with the play-off final winner

Bristol City have signed Derby County midfielder Stephen Pearson on loan until 2 January.

The Scotland international has been at Pride Park since January 2007 but has fallen out of favour and has made just one Carling Cup appearance this season.

"It's been a bit frustrating with a few niggles here and there," the 29-year-old told BBC Points West.

"The most important thing for me is to get matches as I haven't played a lot of games this season."

The former Motherwell and Celtic player, who previously had a loan spell with Stoke in 2008, still has a year left to run on his current deal.

He becomes the first signing for new Bristol City boss Derek McInnes since his appointment last month.

"He's a fellow Scot so I know quite a bit about him," added Pearson. "He did a very good job at St Johnstone. He's

very highly thought of so I'm looking forward to working with him."

"He's a player that we know a lot of," added McInnes. "He's had a few injury problems and issues at Derby and he's found himself out of the squad.

"He's left-sided which we feel is important and if he can get to the level he's capable of he can bring something to us here."

Pearson will be in the squad to face Burnley at home on Saturday.

McInnes said: "We had big support down at West Ham. They were very vocal and they really did help the team.

"Hopefully we can generate a similar atmosphere here come Saturday.

"If we are going to get out of the situation and improve the situation then we have to get back to winning ways at Ashton Gate."