Controversial striker Stan Collymore believes he can become the best goal-scorer in Britain after sealing his transfer from Aston Villa to Leicester City.

Collymore has signed an 18-month 'incentive-based' contract which involves a considerable cut from his £20,000-a-week salary at Villa Park where his career stalled.

The 29-year-old will be in the squad for Leicester's game against Watford on Saturday and could make his first top-flight appearance for nine months.

"It is a little bit bitter-sweet to be here. People know the circumstances of my leaving Villa and it is a sad day in that respect," said Collymore.

"That chapter is now closed. It is time to move on and play well for Leicester."

Collymore said he was determined to justify Leicester's gamble.

"Obviously, most people regard taking me on as a risk, for whatever reasons, but it's a case of me forgetting the hype and getting on with my football.

"I want to play well and score goals. I want to be regarded as one of the best goalscorers in the country."

Collymore said he hoped Aston Villa now went on to win the FA and insisted manager John Gregory had wished him well at his new employers.

O'Neill told the press conference he did not believe the signing was a gamble.

"I do not consider this to be a risk. There is a risk in terms of football but not if he gets himself fit.

"He will not be match fit for some considerable time but I hope people will not judge him on the field if he does play on Saturday. "Eventually the proof is in the pudding. On the field is where Stan will prove himself and I think it will happen for him."

Villa had been asking £3m for the 29-year-old - who declared himself clinically depressed last season - but the deal involves no initial transfer fee.

Villa will instead receive £250,000 if Collymore makes 25 first team appearances for the Foxes, rising to £500,000 for 50.

It represents a massive loss for the club, which spent more than £7m when it bought him from Liverpool.

During his time at Villa Collymore announced he was suffering from stress and depression, causing him to miss much of last season.

Collymore said he was a better person for his period of treatment at the Priory clinic.

"There have been accusations that I did not want to play but that has been rubbish. I have always wanted to play.

"Everyone has a right to a future and I am no different to anyone else.

"As long as people are fair with me, I have never not admitted when I have done things wrong. But there has been a lot of myth.

"All I am saying to people is I want to be given the opportunity to have a future.

"We all make mistakes, mine have been lived out in the public eye. God willing, I have come through it and am a better person for it."