Bristol City's Alex Russell has extended his loan spell at Cheltenham until the end of the season
Downing secures services of experienced midfielder
Bristol City's Alex Russell has extended his loan spell at Cheltenham until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old midfielder joined the League One outfit on an initial month's loan on 11th January and has so far started four matches.
He has already spent three months on loan at Northampton this term after struggling to break into the Bristol City team.
Russell made just two appearances for the Championship high-fliers this season - in a league game at Blackpool in August, as well as the Carling Cup defeat of Brentford.
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson told the club's
official website: "Similar to the Kevin Betsy situation, Alex has struggled to break into the first team due to the good form of our midfielders.
More action
"The loan at Cheltenham has been good for him so far and now he is guaranteed more action until the end of the season."
Robins manager Keith Downing told his club's website: "I'm really pleased we've got Alex for a longer term.
"He has been a big influence for us in the games he has played to date and his experience and expertise have really helped us.
"With John Finnigan suffering a setback with his injury it was especially important that we did something in the central midfield area and I'm sure that Alex will be a great asset for us."
