City boss Phil Parkinson has bolstered his defensive options on the eve of Saturday's npower League 2 home match with Exeter City by recruiting the services of Tom Naylor on loan from Derby County.
After training with his new team-mates at Apperley Bridge for the first time this Friday morning, the 6' 2'' defender put pen to paper on a two-month loan deal at the Coral Windows Stadium.
Naylor, who will wear squad number 25 during his time at Valley Parade, will stay with City until 12 January 2013.
Subject to City receiving the relevant clearances from the Football League and Football Association, Naylor will now be in contention to make his City debut against Exeter on Saturday.
The twenty-one year old, who can play as a centre half or right back, featured in eight Championship fixtures for the Rams last season after arriving at Pride Park from Mansfield Town last November.
Following previous moves for Craig Forsyth and John Egan, Naylor is the third loan player to arrive at City in a month as Parkinson continues to strengthen his squad in the wake of recent injuries.
Parkinson said: "Tom is a terrific young player and we're very pleased to have him on board.
"We have a slight issue with Stephen Darby over his hip flexor, and Tom can give us cover in that area (right back) as well as central defence.
"Given the amount games we have coming up in this next month or so, Tom will be welcome addition to the squad."
Naylor will be unavailable to City for their forthcoming Capital One Cup Quarter-Final tie with Arsenal after playing in the competition for Derby earlier this season.
It has also not been confirmed yet whether Naylor will be allowed to play in City's F.A Cup with Budweiser Second Round tie at home to Brentford.