Bristol Rovers reveal why they've signed Asia Cup star on loan from Ipswich Town

Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor has spoken about the recent addition of Elkan Baggott to the Gas squad.

The 21-year-old has signed on loan from Ipswich Town until the end of the season. Baggott has 24 caps for his country Indonesia and has just come back to England after representing his nation at the Asia Cup.

"We've worked really hard and long in relation to this deal," said Taylor. "We first made contact with Ipswich before the window and there has been constant communication. He's been away at a tournament overseas so that’s obviously complicated things slightly so delighted to finally get it done."

Baggott has had previous loan spells at Kings Lynn, Gillingham and Cheltenham Town, before joining the Pirates on deadline day. The Indonesian star scored the only goal for Ipswich in their EFL Cup exit to Fulham back in November of this season. However, most of his EFL experience was made during his six-month spell at the Gills last campaign where he played 29 times scoring three goals between August and January. Baggott then signed for Cheltenham in the last January transfer window where he made just one appearance for the Gloucestershire side.

Taylor emphasised the level of experience the young defender has having played so many times for Indonesia already. "He's probably played more at international level than at club level, it sounds such a strange thing to say," the gaffer added. "He obviously had a positive loan at Gillingham, I think previously at Kings Lynn as well. It didn’t quite go the same way at Cheltenham, but he's a player of certain quality. "We're delighted that he's chosen us as well as we've chosen him and he sees a great opportunity to get some game time, get some rhythm and improve his game and go back to Ipswich in a better position."

Baggott is a player with lots of quality and has a lot of potential for someone so young and the defender will be a great addition for Matt Taylor's side. The gaffer was asked what Baggott will bring to the Gas. "Balance straight away in a left sided defender, a clear physical being there and a player we feel has got huge potential."