Mile Sterjovski finally made his Derby County debut against Tottenham Hotspur on February 9 - almost a month after agreeing terms on his move.

The Australian international was a Rams target early in the January transfer window but his move from Turkish side Genclerbirligi OFTAS was a protracted one.

Though he has more than 30 caps to his name, Sterjovski had to go to a work permit appeal as he fell one game short of the requirements.

This was finally granted on January 23, though international clearance didn't arrive until February 5, holding his debut up even further.

Sterjovski forged a reputation as a consistent goalscorer in Australia before making the move to Europe with French side Lille.

Educated at the Australian Institute of Sport, Sterjovski began his career with his home town club Woollongong Wolves and had a brief spell at Illawarra Lions in 1997.

But it was at Sydney United where he made his name with 20 goals in 37 appearances spread over two years before a season at Parramatta Power added another 11 in 31.

Sterjovski was a striker in those days but was converted into a winger at Lille and was a regular in Ligue 1, scoring 15 goals in 91 appearances over four seasons.

A free-transfer move to Swiss side FC Basel followed in 2004, where he helped Christian Gross's side claim the title in his first season.

He was also part of the team that got to the following year's UEFA Cup quarter-final where they were eliminated by Middlesbrough.

Sterjovski headed to Genclerbirligi in the summer of 2007 but couldn't settle in Turkey.

LAST UPDATED: February 11 2008.

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