James Harper says he cannot wait to get stuck into the challenge of lifting the Blues out of the bottom four as he prepares for his debut at Brentford on Saturday (k.o. 3pm).

The 31-year-old was in buoyant mood ahead of his first training session with his new team-mates on Thursday morning following his switch from Hull City, stating his desparation to return to first-team action after a long absence.

"I just need to play," he said. "I've been in the reserves at Hull but it's been about six months since I started a game and it's been doing my head in.

"It's the first time in my career that I haven't been playing and I'm not really sure why. It's been the worst time of my career and I need to get back on track now.

"I've missed the excitement of playing and I felt the nerves coming into training today which I've really missed. I can't wait to play.

"It would've been nice to stay in the Championship and a few clubs were umming and ahhing about it, but that's not good enough for me. The gaffer asked me to come and play so it's happy days."

The midfielder could come straight in to the side for the trip to Griffin Park and says he hopes his background will give his side a boost against a Brentford outfit with only one league win to their name since November.

"Hopefully I can bring a bit of quality. I looked at the table when the gaffer rang me and obviously we're bang in it, but I'll be doing my best to get us in a better position. I'm better when there's a challenge on my hands.

"I've been running every day even though I've not been playing and I know my body - I'm fit enough. Now I just want to get out there and play; I don't care where it is and I'd play in the car park if I had to. I just need games."

Call 01494 441118 to book your place for the clash with Brentford.