Robbie savages Sunderland

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Savage was openly courted by Black Cats boss Roy Keane but the Welshman insists he decided to sign for the rock-bottom Rams because Paul Jewell was more eager to secure his services. He said: "The chairman and manager wanted me more than any other club and that means a lot to me.

"It's well known Sunderland put in a bid for me but I never really felt they were too keen. If I was them, I would have gone the whole hog to get me because I'm the type of player who can keep a team in the Premier League."

He added: "But after speaking to Paul and the chairman I knew Derby wanted me more. I'm excited about the challenge and I'm looking forward to my long-term future here."

Former Leicester favourite Savage knows he will have to win over some Rams fans with whom he has had run-ins in the past but the 33-year-old is confident his form on the pitch will speak volumes.

"I've played in a lot of local derbies and whichever club you play at there is never anything better than beating your local rivals," added Savage.

"When I was a Leicester player I did everything I could to beat Derby. If I was to play against Leicester next year, I would be doing the same for Derby.

"Obviously it looks like Derby will be playing Championship football next year but there's a way of going down and that will really help us as we regroup for next season wherever we are.

"Realistically if we can win a few more and go down fighting and not with a whimper, that will count for a lot."