Bristol City sign Derby County's Stephen Pearson

Stephen Pearson scored the winner for City against Southampton last week

Bristol City have completed the signing of Derby County midfielder Stephen Pearson on a free transfer.

The Scotland international, 29, had been on loan at Ashton Gate since November, but his initial spell ended after Tuesday's 1-0 win over Millwall.

Derby have now terminated Pearson's deal, which was scheduled to expire in the summer, and he has committed to City until the end of the season.

"It's nice to come to a club and feel wanted," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I felt this was the right club for me at this moment in time. I had other options but I was delighted to come here, and the manager was a big factor in that."

Pearson made nine appearances during his loan with the Robins.

He scored the winner against leaders Southampton on 30 December and was named man of the match against Millwall.

The former Motherwell and Celtic man had been with the Rams since 2007 but dropped down the pecking order after several injuries.

He made just one Carling Cup appearance for Nigel Clough's side this season before his move to the West country, when he became the first signing for City manager Derek McInnes.