Savage completes £1.5million move to Derby. Ghaly and Carroll to follow suit?

Robbie Savage hopes his hatred of losing will rub off on his new Derby team-mates after he completed his move to the Premier League's rock-bottom club for an initial £1.5million today.

The 33-year-old, who has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract, said: 'I've never played in a promotion-winning side and I am sure I will do that at Derby if we do go down this season.

'I have walked away from European football with Blackburn because the manager admitted I might not play as much as I would like. Paul Jewell showed he wanted me and I am delighted to come.'

Boss Jewell is clearly intent on fulfilling his new midfielder's immediate goals with two new players, former Tottenham star Hossam Ghaly and goalkeeper Roy Carroll, poised to sign before Saturday's clash with Wigan.

Ghaly has been at the Rams training ground this week and is awaiting a work permit, while Jewell has admitted making contact with Rangers boss Walter Smith over Carroll in a bid to solve his goalkeeping problems.

Jewell said: 'The chairman has spoken to his agent and Walter Smith and hopefully we can get that one over the line today or tomorrow. If he comes, Roy Carroll is a top-class goalkeeper.'

Like Savage, Jewell admits his side have probably missed their chance at survival but his desire to bring in more new blood following the swoop for former Newcastle star Laurent Robert bodes well.

And Jewell hailed Welshman Savage as just the sort of player he needs to inject more pride and passion back into his beleaguered side - starting against Jewell's former club this weekend.

Jewell said: 'Robbie's reputation as being battling and competitive doesn't do his ability as a footballer justice. He's a really good footballer as well.

'He's enthusiastic, he's a really good player and I'm really pleased to have him here. The reason I've come here is a long-term plan and the same with Robbie.'