Derby sign defender Mills on loan

Mills spent the first half of the season on loan at Charlton

Derby have signed former England defender Danny Mills on a loan deal from Manchester City.

The 30-year-old right-back will stay with the Premier League's bottom club until the end of the season.

Mills has not played for City since August 2006 but has had loan spells at Championship sides Hull and Charlton.

"He gives us cover right across the back. He's an experienced player and I'm really pleased to have him," Rams boss Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby.

And Jewell thinks his battling qualities could prove key with Derby eight points off 19th-placed Fulham.

"He's a battler and has got a good reputation. He's played at the highest level. He's a good acquisition to the squad."

Mills joined City in 2004 after spending five seasons at Leeds, where he won the majority of his 19 England caps.

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Mills revealed he had different options after he found out he was not going to stay at Charlton and is delighted to be back in the top flight.

He told BBC Radio Derby: "I've known for a week or so that a deal wasn't going to happen at Charlton. So I've been talking to several clubs and interested parties about what's going to happen.

"For me the opportunity to ply my trade in the Premier League again was too good to turn down. I feel I'm good enough to play here and I want to prove that.

"I see it as a great opportunity. It's a fantastic club with superb facilities."

Mills went to Charlton on loan in September but his spell with the Addicks was marred when he was sent off on 22 December, incurring a three-match ban which coincided with the end of his loan deal.

He has served the suspension and could be available to face Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday providing the paperwork is completed in time.

The Rams have also brought in goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh from Jewell's former club Wigan Athletic.