NEW signing Ben Davies is confident he can make the step up to the Championship with Derby County.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Rams from League One club Notts County on Thursday and is set to make his debut against Nottingham Forest at Pride Park Stadium today.

Davies also played for Kidderminster Harriers, Chester and Shrewsbury Town earlier in his career.

This is his first taste of Championship football and he feels he is ready for the challenge.

"It is a dream move for me. Notts County are a fantastic club and I had a great time there but when the likes of Derby County come knocking on your door, it is a move you cannot turn down," said Davies.

"It's been an ambition of mine to play at this level. I feel I should have been playing at this level and maybe would have been with a bit more luck but I am here now.

"If you look back to last season and you look at the cup ties, I played for Notts against Wigan and Fulham and the FA Cup tie at Sunderland recently. I have scored goals and got assists in those games, so I feel I am more than capable of playing at this level.

"When you come to a big club like Derby it is not so much making the step up football-wise, it is also about whether you take in playing in front of 25,000 to 30,000 every week.

"I cannot see that being so much of a problem. I believe in my own ability. Whether it is at a big club or small club, I know what I am capable of."

Davies says he cannot wait for today's game against Forest.

"To come to a club like Derby County and be named in the squad, I can't wait to get started," he added.

"And what a game to be involved in! It is probably the best fixture you could get, especially with it being at home."