The versatile Wollongong-born midfielder became ex Derby manager Paul Jewell's first signing as part of a busy summer of 2008. He signed from Sydney FC but has been blighted by injury since arriving at Pride Park.

The Bulli-born player landed at the club following his Beijing Olympics commitments with Australia last August, where he scored the nation's opening goal in the tournament.

But a double hernia operation, as a result of the Olyroo campaign, kept him out of action but he was finally involved for the first time as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over Norwich City in October.

He followed that up with more appearances from the bench before making his first start in December's 3-0 defeat away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. In total, he's made two starts and five sub appearances this season for the Rams.

However, the groin injury has flared and scans have revealed a mild form of osteitis-pubis. It now appears the 22-year-old will be back in late March.

Zadkovich says he's happy at Pride Park and the club is known to be happy with the player.

All the former Notts County player wants to do now is to show the Rams fans what he can do after his stop-start first season.

"It's disappointing about the scans," he tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

"But I'll be working extra hard to get back and help the club in its fight to avoid dropping into the bottom three."