Aussie enjoying life at Pride Park

Aussie enjoying life at Pride Park

Australian international Mile Sterjovski made his Premier League debut for the Rams in the 0-3 loss against Tottenham Hotspur last week, the 28-year-old coming on as a 74th-minute substitute for captain Robbie Savage in the defeat and was also involved in the Rams reserves defeat at Reading in the week.

The Australian midfielder signed for the Rams from Turkish club Genclerbirligi OFTAS for £300,000 and enjoyed his league debut despite the loss.

The Sydney born midfielder said: "It was nice to play but unfortunately we didn't get the right result.

"We did pretty well in the first half and could have been 1-0 up but I don't think the end result of 3-0 was a fair one.

"I think the game was much closer than the score suggests. But I am happy to get my first game."

The Australian international, who has played 33 times for his Country, claims the Rams will learn from the defeat.

"We had quite a few good chances, we just didn't put them away," he said.

"We're going to have to work on those sorts of things. We'll just keep working away, staying positive and try to get results

Sterjovski moved to Turkey from Swiss side FC Basel at the beginning of this season on a two-year deal but he and his family have struggled to settle there.

With the new Australian A-League growing one of his former clubs, Sydney United, who are now called Sydney FC, were interested in taking him back to his homeland but the chance of playing in the Premier League was an opportunity he couldn`t turn down.

"Everyone dreams of playing in one of the big leagues in the world and I'm looking forward to it," said Sterjovski.

'I know our prospects for staying in the Premier League are remote, but there's always a chance and the main thing is to try to win as many games as possible for the supporters who have been incredibly loyal," he added..

Sterjovski, who has also played for French club Lille, Parramatta Power and Wollongong Wolves, started three of Australia's matches in World Cup 2006, against Brazil, Croatia and Italy.