LEEDS United signing Robbie Keane believes his new club can win the European Cup.

Striker Keane was unveiled by United after joining the Premiership club on loan until the end of the season.

The Inter Milan striker is expected to sign Keane on a five-year contract on July 1.

Keane, the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland striker, added: "I think we can win the European Cup. There are some tremendous players here and it is a pleasure to be part of things here.

"I am hoping we can bring some trophies and silverware to Leeds."

Keane, who was expected to be on the bench for today's home game with Aston Villa, admitted he was sorry that his Italian adventure ended so abruptly but said it was soon apparent that once coach Marcello Lippi was sacked after just two games, his future was in doubt.

"I wanted it to work in Italy," he said. "I was working hard in training and it went well when Mr Lippi was there.

"But the new manager had his own ideas and I wasn't in them."

He added: "There are so many young players at Leeds and I know the Irish lads here. We are definitely going places."

Leeds boss David O'Leary said: "The bottom line is that you like to get good players and we have one."

O'Leary, himself a former Republic international, added: "I don't mind signing Irish players but the aim is just to sign good players - that's what it is about. If they are Irish then that is a bonus!

"I wanted to do it a certain way, with a certain breed of footballer. I wanted to develop a product, not do it with a quick fix. I want to lay down the foundations for years."