Ruel Sotiriou's first words as versatile forward becomes Bristol Rover's third summer signing

Ruel Sotiriou has called his move to Bristol Rovers "a big challenge" but an "exciting one too" after the versatile forward joined the Gas from Leyton Orient.

The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Mem with the option of a fourth season and becomes Rovers' third signing of the summer transfer window.

With 12 goals and five assists across all competitions last season, Sotiriou ended the campaign as the O's top scorer and departs Brisbane Road after seven years in the first team having come through the East London club's academy.

“I’m feeling really happy to be here,” Sotiriou told club media. “I’m very excited to join Bristol Rovers. I know this is a big club and I can’t wait to get going.

“I think it’s clear to see this club is just going to go higher and higher. There is a clear plan in place to take Bristol Rovers to the next level. I know the stature of the club is already big but it’s exciting to think where it could be in the near future too.

“With the improvements coming across the board, it’s a big challenge and an exciting one too. To play for a club like this is going to be brilliant.”

A League Two promotion winner with Orient before helping them to an impressive 11th place finish in their first season back in League One last term, Sotiriou is an exciting pick up for the Gas with the forward able to play anywhere across the attacking midfield three as well as leading the line.

Proven to know how to find the back of the net at this level, the 23-year-old should only get better and will be expected to assist Chris Martin with providing goals after the 35-year-old finished fifth in the League One golden boot race with 16 goals. Sotiriou is also a senior Cyprus international having made his debut back in March.

On the addition, Matt Taylor added: "It is a pleasure to welcome Ruel the Club. Ruel has shown his goalscoring ability in the last few years and proved he can find the net in League One last season.

“The challenge now is for Ruel to build on his form and continue to get even better, not just in front of goal but in his all-round game, and we’re looking forward to helping him do that here at Bristol Rovers.”