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Akinde appeared in the reserve team's 6-0 win over Bournmouth on Monday and is unlikely to be added to City's squad until he recovers fully from injury and regains his fitness.
Sproule believes however that Akinde has shown his new team mates that despite coming from the lower leagues he has plenty to offer. The South African born striker signed from Ebbsfleet on deadline day for around £150,000 and is expected to be tested further in the reserves before being included in Gary Johnson's Championship plans.
The Northern Ireland international Sproule knows exactly what a step up in class Akinde is making as he arrived from Hibernian and was required to go through the same period of adjustment as the 19-year-old will be required to complete in the next few weeks.
Ivan is confident that once he finds his feet, the club will have a real player on their hands. He told the Bristol Evening Post: "I know what it's like, because I've been there myself. Nobody enjoys being the 'new lad'.
"He will have to get used to the shape and the style of the team and it's going to take him time because it's a big step, but if he trains well and works hard he won't have a problem."