"I was really excited": Dwight Gayle on his move to Derby County

Derby County signed striker Dwight Gayle until the end of the season earlier this week.

The former Stoke City and Newcastle United striker joined to help with Derby's striker position after an injury to top scorer James Collins.

The 34 year-old has had much success at Championship and Premier League level in the past and he will be hoping to help Derby earn promotion back to the second tier.

Speaking to Rams TV, he said: "I'm loving it. The facilities here are amazing. All the boys have been very welcoming and I'm happy to be here."

It was a quick turnaround to add Gayle as Paul Warne spoke to him soon after the Collins injury knowing that Gayle would be eager on a move.

The 34 year-old added: "With the injuries we've had, it was something that popped up for both parties. We were just happy to get it done and sorted. It took a little longer than we hoped, but we got there in the end.

"When the phone call eventually came, it was something that I was really excited to do and get done."

Gayle has scored over 140 goals in a 17 year career, so the Rams will be hoping he can provide goals to help them to promotion.

He added: "I've got a lot of experience. I'd love to bring some goals and excitement to the team. I'm a calm head around the place when things perhaps get a bit tense and help us get over the line."

They face Barnsley in their next game on Saturday with the hopes of getting a win against a fellow promotion challenger.

Gayle will be thrust straight into one of the biggest games of the season. He added: "It's straight into a six-pointer. I know we've got three or four big ones coming up towards the end of the season and they are going to be the most important ones.

"If we can get off to a good start against Barnsley, it will put us in a good position for the remainder of the season."

The striker could help the Rams to promotion and Derby fans will be hopeful that he can channel some of his former success.