Robins head coach Holden couldn't deny Morrell the chance of regular first team football

Bristol City head coach Dean Holden couldn't deny midfielder Joe Morrell first team football on a regular basis after he left Ashton Gate for Luton Town this afternoon.

The 23-year-old had made just one substitute appearance in the league for the Robins since turning pro, that coming in November 2018.

He featured in five cup matches, with loan spells at Sutton United, Margate, Cheltenham Town and Lincoln City, but hadn't been involved since Holden took over in the summer, despite playing all four of Wales internationals ahead of last night's 1-0 win in Bulgaria, sitting out through suspension.

Speaking to the Robins official website, Holden said: "Joe is a true professional and he has come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons.

"He has been a pleasure to work with.

“He deserves to be involved in competitive football at a high level week in, week out and this is a positive move for him.

"We’ve had open and honest conversations since my appointment and he felt this was something he wanted to pursue.

"He goes with our best wishes.”

Chief Executive Officer Mark Ashton said: “Joe is a fantastic person both on and off the pitch, he has been a great role model for youngsters coming through the Academy.

"He has broken into the Wales squad and needs regular game time, which he will get at Luton.

"We wish him well.”

Meanwhile, Morrell, who has nine full caps to his name, wrote on Twitter: "Excited to have signed for a fantastic football club, I look forward to giving everything I’ve got for this club.

"Let’s get started."