Savage seals Derby switch

Robbie Savage has completed his move from Blackburn to Barclays Premier League rivals Derby for a fee of £1.5 million

The 33-year-old Wales midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Rams that will take him to the summer of 2010.

Savage is likely to make his debut against Derby manager Paul Jewell's former side Wigan on Saturday.

Jewell revealed this was not the first time he had tried to buy Savage in his managerial career and hailed him as a "great signing" for his current club.

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

"He's enthusiastic, he's a really good player and I'm really pleased to have him here."

Jewell claimed Savage was convinced to come because he believed that if Derby were relegated, they would bounce straight back next season.

"The reason I've come here is a long-term plan and the same with Robbie," he said.

Jewell admitted Savage's on-field reputation as an antagonist "goes before him" but believes that can be made to work in Derby's favour.

"It's a quiet dressing-room. Sav will certainly liven that dressing room up," he said.

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