City boss Steve Bruce said on signing the 31-year-old: “Darryl has been the captain of a Premiership club for a number of years and he hasn’t found himself fixed up.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to take advantage of the situation. It’s a chance for him to prove himself, and it’s up to him now.”

Powell, who can operate in midfield or defence, will provide cover for City in their first season in the Premiership.

Bruce added on the club’s official website, www.bcfc.com: “We’ve got three injuries in defence and we’ll be looking to put him into the squad.

“This is a good opportunity for him, because you can never tell with the transfer window how big you need your squad to be.”