On-loan winger Andy Welsh is enjoying life at the Walkers Stadium.

The 23-year-old made the most of his first start for the Foxes when he netted the opening goal in City's impressive 2-0 victory over promotion hopefuls Crystal Palace on Friday evening.

Welsh turned home Iain Hume's cross from the right in the 42nd minute before Stephen Hughes' late strike sealed the points.

"I delighted to score my first goal on my first start," he said.

"The three points was obviously the most important thing but I've been itching to show people what I can do and hopefully I did that on Friday night."

City's triumph coupled with results elsewhere this weekend, means that Rob Kelly's men are now mathematically safe from the drop to League One with four games remaining this term.

"The resurgence under Rob, Mike Stowell and Ray Graydon has been incredible and everything has been really positive," added Welsh.

"To have come from Sunderland where it has been a season-long struggle, it is a breath of fresh air and I am enjoying my football again and playing with a smile on my face."

Welsh has been forced to bide his time since arriving in the East Midlands due to City's turnaround in fortunes.

But with Richard Stearman sidelined through injury, he was handed his chance to impress in front of the live Sky cameras on Friday and did not disappoint.

"In some ways I've been kicking my heels because of our good form and as a result have been itching for a start.

"But I gave everyone a little taster against Palace and hopefully I'll get another chance against Preston on Saturday.

"It is important for me to be playing week in, week out whichever club I am at," added Welsh, who has a year remaining on his Sunderland contract.

He is now keen to remain in the City starting XI between now and the end of the season and help the Foxes finish as high up the Championship table as possible.

"I now want to stay in the team and help us finish the season on a positive note and go out on a high."