New signing Jonathan Hayes was delighted to receive the telephone call he had been hoping for last month.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 winger, who has put pen-to-paper on a three year deal at the Walkers Stadium, spent the back end of last season on loan at MK Dons from Premier League new boys Reading under the watchful eye of then boss Martin Allen.

Hayes, who celebrates his 20th birthday next week, went on to make 13 appearances for The Dons and in the process left, what turned out to be, a lasting impression on the new Foxes chief.

"I was on loan at MK Dons for about four-and-a-half months and enjoyed my time there under the gaffer and his management team," said Hayes.

"And I knew that if I made an impression then it might stand me in good stead for the future."

The Irishman was therefore delighted to hear the news he had been hoping for following Allen's appointment as Foxes manager back in May.

"My dad rang me one morning when I was still in bed and told me that Martin Allen had taken the Leicester job," he added.

"I didn't think much of it at the time but then about two weeks later my agent rang me and told me that Leicester had offered me a contract subject to the medical.

"It was a nice surprise but all along I had this feeling that if I made an impression at MK Dons then the gaffer might bear me in mind for the future.

"I was delighted. MK Dons wanted to sign me permanently as well but Leicester came in with an offer that was better for me.

"Whilst I was out on loan I got a taste of first-team football and that made my mind up that I needed to leave Reading and move on.

"This move could not have come at a better time."

Hayes has also enjoyed spells at Forest Green and Chesterfield.

"I just want to play football," he said. "There are a lot of new faces here but at least we can all settle in together.

"These are exciting times for this football club."