Radi Kishishev has given the thumbs up to the signing of fellow Bulgarian international Aleksandar Tunchev from CSKA Sofia - subject to the player receiving a work permit.

The City midfielder has played alongside Tunchev for his country on a number of occasions - including the recent EURO 2008 qualification campaign.

And Kishishev says that despite some raised eyebrows back in his homeland, he is sure the player will be a big success for the Foxes.

He said: "I am sure Alex will grow to be a very good player for this football club.

"A lot of people in Bulgaria have questioned his decision to come to a team in League One, but he can see the bigger picture. He isn't just looking to next season, he is looking beyond that. He is very positive - he wants to go up and then up again.

"There has been a lot of speculation regarding his future back in Bulgaria, so I am sure he will now be happy that is all in the past.

"I spoke to him a couple of days ago and I told him all about the club. He is very excited about the chance to play in England and can't wait to get down to hard work.

"This move will give him more confidence. He will be focussing totally on his football and learning the way of life in England."

By his own admission, Kishishev experienced a 'disappointing' first season with the Foxes, but says he is now desperate to get things right.

He added: "Last year was a disaster - from both a personal and team point of view - but that's all in the past now.

"It's a fresh start for everyone. I have got one year left on my contract here and I will do a professional job.

"Everyone is currently working very hard on their fitness. We have still not really had the chance to play much football, but I am sure that will come. We are all working hard on getting our base fitness to the right level, which will help us when we start to play the games."

And the 33-year-old also gave an insight into life in League One - having spent three months on loan with Leeds United last season.  

"It is a very physical league. The football is different to that which is played in the Championship, and that, in turn, is different from what is played in the Premiership. We will have to adapt very quickly. Set pieces are also very important for every team.

"But the attitude of the players here since they have come back for training has been excellent. We will roll our sleeves up and get on with it."