Derby confirm signing of Robert

Robert last played in the Premiership with Portsmouth

Derby have completed the signing of former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert.

The 32-year-old Frenchman has impressed boss Paul Jewell while on trial at Pride Park and accepted a deal that runs until the end of the season.

"I am very happy because I signed this morning and for my head that is fantastic," said Robert.

And the flamboyant forward could make an immediate debut at home against Wigan on Saturday after receiving international clearance on Friday.

Interview: Derby winger Laurent Robert

"The Derby manager called my agent to say he wanted me and I came quickly because the quality and the atmosphere in the Premier League is the best in the world," said Robert.

"Everything you see here at the training ground is professional.

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"I don't know the city but my family are coming over this Friday and I'm very happy to be back in England with Derby.

"The club's position here is a bit difficult but I'm here to put my experience in and work hard - that's it."

Robert joins the Rams with the team rooted to the bottom of the Premier League having earned just seven points from 21 games. They are ten points from safety.

Jewell said: "His ability is unquestioned and this could be a good piece of business for us.

"I'm convinced we'll get the best out of him here and if we do, we'll have quite a player on our hands."

The ex-Newcastle and Portsmouth winger returns to England after having his contract cancelled by Spanish side Levante.

The Frenchman joined Newcastle for £10.5m in 2001 and made 139 Premier League appearances in four years on Tyneside.

After a half-season loan at Portsmouth, he moved to Benfica in January 2006, before joining Levante later that year.

Jewell added: "Laurent's key quality is what he can do with the ball - he can unlock the door, make things happen and produce a bit of magic.

"He hasn't cost us anything in terms of a transfer fee and we had the chance to have a good look at him in training before making a decision."

Argentine striker Emanuel Villa and Danny Mills have already signed for the Rams with Robbie Savage also set to join from Blackburn.