Sterjovski, 28, watched his new colleagues seal only their first back-to-back points of a woeful Barclays Premier League campaign at Birmingham on Saturday.

And, international clearance permitting, should be available to face Spurs this coming weekend, following his move from Turkish club Genclerbirligi.

Sterjovski's case for a work permit went to a Home Office appeal after he failed to meet the required criteria.

"It's been the longest three weeks of my life and it was unfortunate my work permit had to go to appeal, but in the end we got the decision and that's the main thing," Sterjovski, who enjoyed spells with Lille and FC Basle prior to switching to Turkey last summer, told Derby's official website, www.dcfc.co.uk.

"I know our prospects for staying in the Premier League are remote, but there's always a chance and the main thing is to try to win as many games as possible for the supporters who, from what I am told, have been incredibly loyal.

"Everyone dreams of playing in one of the big leagues in the world and I'm looking forward to the Tottenham game next weekend because there's no pressure on us."

Sterjovski, who can play in a variety of attacking positions, has been taken to Pride Park by manager Paul Jewell in a bid to increase a limp scoring record of only 13 goals in 25 league matches this season.