Mark Schwarzer: Leicester City sign Chelsea goalkeeper

Australian Schwarzer has not played for Chelsea this season

Leicester City have signed keeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer from fellow Premier League club Chelsea.

The 42-year-old has agreed a deal until June 2016 and could play against Aston Villa on Saturday with regular first-choice Kasper Schmeichel injured.

Schwarzer has made 508 Premier League appearances during spells at Middlesbrough, Fulham and Chelsea.

"I'm delighted we've been able to sign a player of Mark's vast experience," said Foxes boss Nigel Pearson.

"To have played the number of games he has played at the very top level is outstanding and highlights both his ability and his professionalism.

"I know Mark really well. He has a number of great attributes as a player and brings a huge amount of Premier League know-how to the squad."

Schwarzer, who won 109 caps for Australia, moved to England in 1996 with Bradford City and a year later he joined Middlesbrough, where he made 446 appearances in 11 years.

He made the switch to Fulham in 2008 before joining Chelsea in July 2013.

Schwarzer played with Pearson in their time together at Middlesbrough.

He told the Leicester website: "I've known Nigel for many years and I know what he's like as a person. For me it was a very easy decision to make to come here based on him alone."