Former England striker Kevin Phillips has joined Leicester City on loan until the end of the season, the English second-tier club announced on Wednesday.

Phillips, 40, scored a winning penalty for Crystal Palace in the Championship play-off final against Watford last season, but he was released by Palace last weekend after making only four league appearances.

"The opportunity to sign a player of Kevin's experience and know-how doesn't come along too often, so I'm delighted that we've been able to add him to our squad," said Leicester manager Nigel Pearson.

Phillips won the European Golden Shoe in 2000 after scoring 30 goals for Sunderland in the Premier League.

His other former clubs include Southampton, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion. He made eight appearances for England.

Leicester are currently top of the table in the Championship, four points above second-placed Burnley.