Campbell looking forward to Rams chance after sealing loan deal

THE arrival of DJ Campbell was the only transfer activity at Derby County on emergency loan deadline day.

As reported in yesterday's Derby Telegraph, Campbell completed his move to Pride Park before the window closed at 5pm, joining from Leicester City on a month-long deal.

The 28-year-old striker was due to train with his new team-mates today and is expected to go straight into the squad to face Reading at Pride Park tomorrow.

"I'm really pleased to have completed this loan and I'm looking forward to training with the team and, hopefully, playing some role at the weekend against Reading," said Campbell.

"I want to play football and the gaffer has indicated I will get that opportunity here, although I know I will have to perform well to be in the starting 11.

"Derby County showed the strongest interest and although other teams were interested, this is the club that I want to join the most, so it has been a straightforward decision.

"I've heard the manager say that they need pace in the side, so, hopefully, I can help them with that and also chip in with the odd goal.

"I'm certainly looking forward to it and will be doing my very best up until January."

Derby saw off competition for Campbell from several other clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool.

"I'm really pleased we've managed to get the deal done to bring DJ here," said Rams boss Nigel Clough.

"He has raw pace and as I've said already this week that is something we've been missing up top.

"It certainly gives us another option and more competition alongside Rob Hulse, Paul Dickov and Chris Porter, who is getting closer to full fitness.

"This is a deal we've worked hard on and it is always nice when your hard work pays off."

Campbell joined Leicester for £1.6m in July 2007 but spent much of last season on loan at Blackpool, where he scored nine goals in 19 games.

The former Brentford and Birmingham City man has made only three appearances as substitute for the Foxes so far this season.

However, Leicester boss Nigel Pearson has made it clear that Campbell remains part of his plans.

"The move gives him the opportunity to get some games as we have a lot of competition in forward positions but it is only for a month," said Pearson.

Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan, who had a brief spell with Derby County last season, has joined Blackpool on loan.

Elsewhere, Sheffield Wednesday have swooped for Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney and Stoke City midfielder Tom Soares.

Wednesday's city neighbours United have also brought in two players on loan – Fulham's Finnish defender Toni Kallio and Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper Carl Ikeme.

League One leaders Leeds United, meanwhile, have dipped into the Championship to snap up Cardiff's Tony Capaldi and Hogan Ephraim from Queens Park Rangers.