The former Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper is reportedly on manager Paul Jewell’s radar and will trial at Pride Park.

Spoonley, 21, one of the New Zealand stars at 2007 Under 20 World Cup in Toronto, struggled for game time at Westpac Stadium last year and couldn’t force his way past Glen Moss and Mark Paston.

He was released with a year still to run on his contract and is looking to pick up the pieces abroad. Phoenix officials have been working hard to try and tee up a new opportunity for Spoonley but it remains to be seen whether he will be the man chosen to plug the Premier League’s leakiest back line.

Coach Ricki Herbert said recently: “From a personal point of view and from a national team coaching point of view, I think Jacob has a fantastic future ahead of him and playing regularly will allow him to develop his game and further enhance his prospects at international level.

“Jacob’s future could well be at the Wellington Phoenix in two or three years’ time and that’s something we’d love to see happen. But right now he’s got to be playing. It’s as simple as that.”

There seems to be something of a Rams theme developing at the Phoenix. While Spoonley may be looking at a Derby County switch, two other players with Wellington connections are also turning out for the Rams, albeit a long way from Derby.

Former defender Steven Old is playing with New South Wales state league side Macarthur Rams and he has now been joined at the club by promising youngster Costa Barbarouses.

The latter enjoyed some game time in the latter stages of A-League season three and the club are keen for him to keep ticking over.

Meanwhile, striker Greg Draper is preparing to get some extra match practice with Whittlesea Zebras.