Derby recruit Savage for survival bid

Derby County FC have enlisted experienced midfielder Robbie Savage in their attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League and are also poised to sign French winger Laurent Robert.

Signings
Promoted through the play-offs last season, Derby have secured just seven points from 21 top-flight games and are eight adrift of second-bottom side Fulham FC. At the weekend they paid €2.7m for Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa, and today they completed the €2m purchase of 33-year-old Savage from Blackburn Rovers FC on a contract until 2010. Former Newcastle United FC player Robert, 32, is also ready to agree a short-term deal subject to international clearance after leaving Levante UD. A further reinforcement came with last Friday's loan capture of the Manchester City FC defender Danny Mills.

Jewell praise
The combative Savage, who was capped 39 times by Wales, was a Manchester United FC trainee but went to Crewe Alexandra FC for his breakthrough before spells with Leicester City FC, Birmingham City FC and Blackburn. A knee injury has limited his recent appearances. Derby manager Paul Jewell said: "I hated Robbie Savage when he played against me. He is one of those characters you despise when he is playing for the opposition but you love when he is on your team." Savage added: "Blackburn was a great club for me but as soon as I knew Paul was interested, I was always going to come to Derby."