BRISTOL boss Gary Johnson has backed new signing David Clarkson to force his way into the Scotland side - and increase his price tag by several million pounds in the process.

BRISTOL boss Gary Johnson has backed new signing David Clarkson to force his way into the Scotland side - and increase his price tag by several million pounds in the process.

Johnson was delighted to secure the services of national squad member Clarkson this week in a deal which could net Motherwell up to £1million.

However, the larger-than-life City gaffer thinks so much of the 23-year-old that he reckons it will prove to be money well spent in the not-too-distant future.

He explained: "Look at how Ross McCormack has flourished since he joined Cardiff last season.

"His confidence has rocketed and he has been called up to play in his national team.

"He did his chances of being a regular starter no harm at all with a goal against Iceland.

"David has had a sniff of international football and I think that his move down here will increase his chances of getting involved again in the future.

"He will be playing at a higher level.

"I think he has chosen the right time to move on.

"He is only 23, but he has spent a long time at Motherwell after breaking into the team as a teenager.

"He is a promising player now, but in a few years time, if he does well for us and scores a few goals at this level, then he could be worth £4 or £5 million."