New Boy is Out To Prove Class

DERBY TELEGRAPH

By Steve Nicholson

Derby County's new Australian, Ruben Zadkovich, is determined to prove himself in English football after a previous spell with Notts County three years ago.

The 21-year-old central midfielder or right-back has agreed a two-year deal after impressing manager Paul Jewell in training at Moor Farm this week.

Zadkovich was a free agent after leaving Sydney FC last month but he is not allowed to pull on a Rams shirt this season because the move falls outside the transfer window.

He is Jewell's first signing for the Championship campaign, although another deal for a unnamed player, who is currently playing for a club, has been agreed.

"Ruben impressed us enormously," said Jewell. "A number of clubs have been interested in him and we wanted to make sure we didn't miss out on a fantastic talent."

Crystal Palace and newly-crowned Australian champions Newcastle Jets wanted to sign Zadkovich, who has a European passport through his Dutch-born mother.

As a teenager, he was in the youth and reserve teams at Queen's Park Rangers before signing for Notts in March 2005.

He made nine appearances but did not figure in Gudjon Thordarson's plans and returned to Australia later in the year to join Sydney, where he played 42 Hyundai A-League games.

Now Derby have handed him another chance to show what he can do in England and he is ready for the challenge.

"I am excited by this move," said Zadkovich, who turns 22 next month.

"It's a real buzz to be joining a club like Derby County and I'm determined to prove I can play in England.

"This is where I want to be playing my football. I felt this month was the perfect time to come over to England and showcase myself and earn myself a contract.

"I had a trial with Crystal Palace and they offered me a deal but I had other options and I was always keen on Derby."

Recalling his time at Notts, Zadkovich said: "We avoided relegation and everything was quite positive.

"I went away in the summer to play for Australia at the Under-20 World Championship and was on a real high because I had been playing League football and was playing for my country.

"When I got back to Notts for the following season, there was a new manager and new players, and I didn't get a look in.

"It was just a difference of opinion, these things happen in football. I was young and I just wanted to play. If I wasn't going to play, I wasn't going to hang round, and so I went back to Australia.

"I feel I've learned a lot since then and now I'm excited about the challenge ahead and excited to have signed for a manager who wants me at the club. I aim to take the opportunity.

"Derby is a brilliant club and the facilities are unbelievable. The team is not in the greatest of positions right now but the club is looking to next season and the future, and I'm glad to be a part of that.

"The manager (Paul Jewell) is determined to see the club bounce straight back to the Premier League and I am determined to help make that happen."

Zadkovich has also represented Australia at Under-23 level and was recently selected for the senior squad.

He has been described as a utility player.

"I have played a bit of both, midfield and right-back, but I prefer midfield," said Zadkovich, who added he would like to settle into a central midfield role.

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