ALEX Bruce has set his sights on promotion to the Premier League - with Leicester City.

Elvin King

ALEX Bruce has set his sights on promotion to the Premier League - with Leicester City.

He says this is his aim after joining the Foxes on loan to the end of the season.

Bruce completed the deal on Saturday after being told by Blues boss Roy Keane the previous day of Leicester's interest.

“It all came out of the blue,” said Bruce. “Mr Keane has been great, as he has since he came to Portman Road.

“He said I could stay and fight for my place or go to Leicester and play games.

“After my injury I've failed to gain a regular place, and with Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney playing so well, I made a decision to move to play games.

“My aim at Ipswich was to help get the club promoted and this is now my aim at Leicester. They are in a good position.”

Is this the end of his Ipswich career for the 25-year-old who extended his Blues contract last March to take him to the summer of 2011?

“This is a new challenge, and after four years at Ipswich I feel it is best,” added Bruce, who was previous manager Jim Magilton's first signing in the summer of 2006.

“I will cross the bridge about what to do in the summer when the time comes.

“I met Leicester manager Nigel Pearson on Saturday and he made me feel appreciated and this is great opportunity for me.

“But I wish Ipswich well, and I'm sure with the players they have at the club they will move up the table.”

Bruce was briefly named Ipswich captain by Keane last autumn and the Norwich-born defender has made 127 appearances and scored three goals.