“At this stage it doesn't look like it,”Zadkovich said today.


“But I'm not sure. It's still up in the air. Graham Arnold and Paul Jewell are still talking about it.”

After impressing in a brief trial last month, Zadkovich now has a two-year contract at Pride Park. However, he's also a key part of Under 23s coach Graham Arnold's midfield as he looks to fine-tune his side for the Olympics in August.

“I'm not exactly sure yet when I go over there. Hopefully not until after the Olympics but I'll have to see. Derby are going to let me play [in Beijing] and they support that.

“It's only going to be better for me and better for Derby as I'll come back fitter after playing at the Olympics against some of the best players of the world.”

Speaking at Sydney airport before jetting off with the Olyroos for a pre-Olympics tournament in Malaysia, Zadkovich reiterated his commitment to Arnold's side leading into Beijing.

“My commitment is first and foremost with Australia and the Olympics. After that, I'll focus on Derby,” he said.

Despite his work-rate, the move to the Championship will be a huge step up from playing in the six-month, 21-round A-League.

“I do have a big season of games ahead of me [compared to the A-League] so it's important I don't burn myself out.

“I'm aiming for a first team spot and I don't think that's out of my reach or too big of a goal. That's my aim.”

The 22-year-old will also join Australian Mile Sterjovski in battling for a first team spot at Pride Park.

“You never get promised game time by a manager, but he told me what he was looking for, but he's signed me after a trial and I don't think he'd have me there if he didn't think he'd use me.”

Zadkovich sees himself as a central cog in the Derby engine-room, a side that's looking to bounce back into the premiership in 2009.

“I'd trialled in the centre of midfield and that kind of box-to-box role kind of suits me in England. But I don't mind where I play, but I think right now he [Jewell] sees me as a midfielder.

“They have a big support base, backing and the facilities are sensational, so there's one way up for Derby.”

And for the surf fan, the Midlands in winter may provide a difficult environment for the former Sydney FC and Notts County man, who hails from the south coast of NSW.

“Very exciting times. It's a big buzz. My family and friends are obviously keen to get over there and see me play. There'll be a few of my Wollongong mates coming over to watch the games.

“Definitely no waves though in Derby.”