This is Leicestershire --Leicester City defender Zak Whitbread believes new signing Ignasi Miquel will boost the club's chances of promotion this season.
Miquel joined City on a season-long loan from Arsenal on Friday but did not feature in the match-day squad for the 0-0 draw against Leeds.
The 20-year-old Barcelona academy product made his first competitive appearance for City with 90 minutes in the development squad's 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough on Monday, the opening game of the U21 Premier League campaign.
The Spain Under-21 international is a left-sided centre-back, but can also play left-back, and will provide competition to the left-footed Whitbread for a place in City's starting line-up for Saturday's clash against Derby.
While it is unlikely that City boss Nigel Pearson will change a back-line that registered their first clean sheet of the season on Sunday, Whitbread said competition for places is only a good thing, especially with a player of the calibre of Miquel now in the squad.
"He's got great pedigree coming from Arsenal and playing for Spain U21s," said Whitbread, who made his return against Leeds after being stretchered off with a head injury against Middlesbrough.
"Any player like that coming in and challenging for a spot keeps everyone on their toes and it is a great addition.
"It's all about putting together a squad to be up there challenging, and the more players we can get in like that the better.
"We have a strong squad base here anyway, and it's good to get lads like this in to give these boys a hand."
City are still unbeaten this season, with four points from six in the Championship and a place in the second round of the Capital One Cup.
It may still be early days, but Whitbread believes City have made a confident start to the campaign, especially after such a heartbreaking end to last season.
"I think coming off the back of last season, people would think there would be a bit of a hangover and the lads would find it hard getting back into it," said Whitbread.
"But we've come back fresh and sharp, and we are taking it as any other start to any other season. We are confident we can give it a good go." Reported by This is 22 hours ago.