Over the next eight days the Australia international will face a daunting three matches that includes a 13,500 mile round-trip to China for a 2010 World Cup qualifier at high altitude.

For the Asian Group One clash, the Chinese have opted to play the game at Kunming, a city 1,900 metres above sea level as they look to give themselves an edge.

Sandwiching the clash are two Barclays Premier League matches for the rock-bottom Rams at Middlesbrough tomorrow and against Fulham at Pride Park next Saturday.

Sterjovski, who joined Derby from Turkish side Genclerbirligi two months ago following a protracted transfer, is not averse to the routine being an Australian.

Playing at altitude, though, is a concern as he said: "It's likely to pose quite a problem.

"But I think that's the reason why the game is being played there because they (China) know we've not a lot of time to prepare.

"There are a lot of players travelling in from across Europe, so we'll only have a day or two to adjust.

"I've been told when you play at altitude you become tired much quicker, and it takes a lot out of you.

"It's going to be hard, but the medical staff will be travelling with us and making sure we drink our fluids and take care of us on the flight.

"We're up for the challenge, and I think we can get a result."

A victory would be a new experience of late for Sterjovski as he has yet to savour a top-flight win given Derby's wretched form.

It is now 24 league games without a win heading into tomorrow's clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Yet the 28-year-old has no regrets, adding: "I enjoyed my football in Turkey, and the club looked after me very well.

"But personally, nobody spoke English and there was nothing for my three-year-old daughter.

"For myself and my family now, we're settling in very well. We love the city and the people, we find them really friendly. So there are no problems in that regard.

"I view it as a positive move because at the end of the day I'm playing in the Premier League, which is one of the best in the world.

"When I joined I understood the team would probably be relegated, but that's not been a problem for me at all.

"I came here and made a commitment for two-and-a-half years, and I would love to see that out. Hopefully we'll come straight back up at the end of next season."

There is a part of Sterjovski that wishes he was not on international duty next week, but he appreciates the positive that could come out of it.

"I've been happy with the way things have gone. I've settled in well, and I like the way I've been progressing," added Sterjovski.

"Even though the team have not been winning, this trip has come at a bad time in some respects.

"The only difference will be if we win, which is something I've not experienced since I arrived at Derby.

"But a win would send me off on the right footing, and we can do it.

"We've had a full week of training after such a positive game against Manchester United, which followed a huge loss to Chelsea.

"I'm hoping we can continue with the mentality and effort we put in, and I'm pretty sure we can get a result."

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll has shaken off a slight groin problem and will play against Boro.

But defender Alan Stubs is again out with a calf injury, while midfielder Stephen Pearson is unlikely to figure due to an ongoing hernia problem.