The 30-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at Eastlands since the arrival of Aleksandar Kolarov and Jerome Boateng in the summer.

"It will be great to play a part in helping keep West Ham in the Premier League," Bridge told www.whufc.com. "It would be a big achievement."

Bridge watched on from the stands at Upton Park last night when manager Avram Grant was forced to switch Matthew Upson to left-back as the Hammers beat Birmingham 2-1 in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

It has been a problem position in a difficult season for the Irons, which has seen them struggle in the Barclays Premier League, despite their cup success.

They sit bottom of the table following a 5-0 drubbing by Newcastle last time out.

Despite that, Bridge had no doubt about making the move south.

"I know a few of the players from England and I know the physio," Bridge told www.whufc.com.

"I spoke to Scotty Parker and a few people and they told me what a great club it is.

"That definitely helped me make the decision to come here.

"There is a lot of quality here and I know we can move up the table.

"The first half on Tuesday was great.

"There should have been a few more goals and then the team came back with 10 men,

"If we can play like that every week we'll be fine."

Bridge will hope the move can give new impetus to a career which has stuttered of late.

After impressing during the early stages of his career at Southampton, he secured a big-money move to Chelsea in 2003.

Initially a first-team regular, he later faced competition from Asier Del Horno and Ashley Cole, who also limited his England opportunities.

Bridge moved to City two years ago, but faced a similar story there as fell out of favour under manager Roberto Mancini.

Bridge will be eligible to play in both the Carling Cup and FA Cup under the terms of his loan agreement.