The Olyroo was signed by manager Paul Jewell after a successful trial but injury and Olympic commitments have so far prevented the former Sydney FC man from staking a claim for a first team spot.

However, a goal on his debut last week for the Rams reserves won’t have done his cause any harm but with Derby’s first team now unbeaten in six matches, he has a real fight on his hands to force his way in.

He told the Derby Telegraph: “It’s been a long time since I was here on trial but, in football, you’ve got to have patience. That’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years.

"You’ve got to bide your time and wait for your chance. That’s basically what I’m doing at the moment and training hard.”

Derby’s woeful Premier League campaign seemed to linger at the club with the Rams making a less than impressive start to life in the second tier of English football this season.

However, they have since rallied and both players and supporters have finally been able to taste victory once again.

Zadko has nothing but admiration for the way his teammates have risen to the challenge.

He said: “The boys have been playing well and are on a bit of a roll, which is good. I’m just happy to back them up, support the team and do what I can.

"It will be tough to break into the team. The boys are getting results and the team comes first as far as I am concerned.

“Of course I want to play every game but it’s not really my place to say. That’s the manager’s decision.”

Fellow Australian Mile Sterjovski is also finding it tough to win a place in Jewell's team but has been told by Jewell that he does remain part of his plans.