Guppy returns to Leicester

Steve Guppy has today agreed to rejoin Leicester on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Micky Adams agreed a free transfer move for the former England winger after talks with Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

Guppy travelled down to the Walkers Stadium today, and will be eligible for Saturday’s Barclaycard Premiership clash against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium should the relevant paperwork be completed before the deadline.

Adams told the club’s official website, www.lcfc.co.uk: “Steve will strengthen our options on the left.

“He is a quality crosser of the ball and was very successful and popular player during his first spell with the club.”

Guppy originally joined the Foxes from Port Vale in 1997, and went on to make over 150 appearances during his four-and-a-half-year stay.

The 34-year-old winger joined up with former Foxes boss Martin O’Neill at Parkhead in the summer of 2001 – and has made 22 starts for the Bhoys.

Guppy represented England in a friendly victory over Belgium at the Stadium of Light in 1999 – his only appearance for his country.

He arrives on the day Leicester decided to place defender Steve Howey on the transfer list.

Sunderland-born Howey was due to play in last night’s 3-1 FA Cup third round replay defeat against Manchester City – but did not figure because of a hamstring injury sustained in the warm-up against his former team.

Adams today explained: “I felt it was in the best interests for both parties if we went our separate ways.”