Bernard Mensah: Bristol Rovers move a test for me

Ghanaian striker Bernard Mensah has shed light on his transfer to English League One side Bristol Rovers.

The 23-year-old, who shares same first and last names with Atletico Madrid's Ghana international on loan at Turkish outfit Kasimpasa, joined The Pirates earlier this month on an undisclosed fee

Previously on the books of National League side Aldershot Town, the forward made his Bristol debut in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Bradford City.

“I played here [Bristol] three years ago with Braintree and we got applauded off the pitch when we lost 2-1 with 10 men. It was a night game and it was a great atmosphere.” Mensah told Bristol Post.

“The gaffer also told me he wants to improve me as a person and as a player on the pitch. That was something I wanted to do – improve off the pitch as well as on it – and I think he’s the right guy to take me in that direction.”

A product of topflight side Watford, Mensah has also had past spells with Braintree Town, Barnet.

He continued:“I think they [Rovers] had been watching me for a while then I got a call early last week saying they were going to put a bid in – I think a couple got turned back – but then in the end they quickly said it’s been accepted, you’re traveling up tomorrow to join the club.”

“It all happened quickly, but once I heard the gaffer [Darrell Clarke] and the club wanted me I made my mind up that I wanted to come because it’s a step up for me and a chance to test myself against better opposition.”

Uncapped at international level, Mensah trained with the Ghana squad ahead of a friendly game against Nigeria in 2011.