Former Manchester City and Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell was delighted with a winning debut for Leicester City.

The ex-England striker was all smiles after making a winning start to his Leicester career.

Vassell, 30, has been clubless after a nightmare spell in Turkey. He joined top-flight Ankaragucu from Manchester City in 2009 but quit this summer after they had financial problems.

He said: "I haven't played for a long time, I've been looking forward to this. I've been sitting at home not knowing what I'm going to do.

"Sven's given me the opportunity and it's just been a matter of putting in the hours. As soon as I got the call it was an easy decision.

"It wouldn't have mattered what team Sven was at, I'd have gone to play for him.

"He gave me my England debut and I owe him a lot."

Eriksson made Vassell his first permanent signing and the striker he is keen to repay his show of faith.

Vassell said: "It's probably the hardest I've ever worked.

"Coming back into the changing room after the game the atmosphere was fantastic. It showed what I'd been missing. I'm not emotional but it really got to me."