Derby sign Aussie after permit battle

Derby have completed the signing of Australia midfielder Mile Sterjovski after he was handed a work permit on appeal.

The Rams were forced to face a Home Office hearing on Wednesday after the 28-year-old fell just short of the criteria to gain an automatic permit.

But with that hurdle safely negotiated, Sterjovski can now join from Turkish club Genclerbirligi for an undisclosed fee, and Rams manager Paul Jewell said: "I am delighted with the decision, although we always felt we had a strong case. Mile is an international player with Champions League and World Cup experience. He will make a fantastic addition to the squad."

Derby are still awaiting international clearance and are hoping to get it by noon on Friday so that he can play against Preston in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Sterjovski, who can play as a right winger or striker and has signed an 18-month deal with the Rams, first came to prominence with Sydney United in his homeland before gaining wider recognition during spells with Lille and Basel.

He has 33 caps for the Socceroos but did not play enough games over the previous 12 months to guarantee a work permit under Home Office regulations.