IPSWICH Town have signed midfielder Richie Wellens on a one-month loan deal from Championship rivals Leicester City.

The 32-year-old – who has made over 100 appearances for the Foxes – could be in line to feature for Town in Saturday’s televised clash with Cardiff City (5.20 kick-off).

Having begun his career as a trainee at Manchester United, Wellens left without making a first-team appearance. Since then, he has represented Blackpool, Oldham and Doncaster, before teaming up with Leicester for a reported fee of �1.2m.

“I’ve been looking to go out on loan and when the opportunity arose to come to Ipswich, I didn’t have to think twice,” said the midfielder.

“Leicester wanted me to go out on loan and when they showed me the list of clubs that I could go to, Ipswich stood out.”

“I need to start playing games again after my injury and this is a great opportunity to do that. It’s a nice club and I’ve always enjoyed playing at Portman Road.

“We’re down at the bottom of the league at the minute but there are some good players here in the squad so I’m sure the position will soon change.”

Blues boss Paul Jewell added: “Richie is back from injury now and has played the vast majority of games for Leicester over the last two or three years.

“He is a terrific passer of the ball and we actually tried to get him here on a permanent deal in the summer but couldn’t make it work.

“He’s here for six games and I know Leicester don’t want to let him go. They weren’t that keen on him going on loan to another Championship club but we’re pleased to have sorted something out and he will be a big asset to the squad.”