Rams bag an Aussie after going the extra Mile

Mile Sterjovski gets his work permit

Derby County and Mile Sterjovski have won their appeal to have a work permit granted for the Australian forward.

Mile is 28 years of age and was born in Wollongong Australia and has spent the last year playing for Gençlerbirliği OFTAŞ of the Turkish league. He is a 6ft well built player who can play on the right wing if necessary.

Sterjovski has played 33 times for his country over the last 7 years but hadn't played the requisite number of games to enable him to have an automatic work permit in England. Rams manager Paul Jewell was very angry over the red tape that has kept the player from signing for Derby before today.

More red tape is required to be cut in order for Mile to play in Saturday's FA Cup 4^th round tie against Preston. International clearance must now be sought if he is to make his debut at the weekend...