Sterjovski: Waiting game

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• Mile Sterjovski
• Ruben Zadkovich

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Australian pair Mile Sterjovski and Ruben Zadkovich have spoken of their desire to play first-team football at Derby.

Midfielder Zadkovich is yet to make his first-team debut after moving from Sydney FC in the summer, while striker Sterjovski has not played this season.

Sterjovski is currently away on international duty with Australia as the Socceroos prepare to take on Qatar in a vital World Cup qualifier in Brisbane on Wednesday.

But the 29-year-old believes it will not be long before Derby boss Paul Jewell unleashes him on opposing defences in the Championship.

He told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "Everybody would like to play football but at the moment I'm in a difficult situation.

"I've spoken to the coach at Derby and he's assured me that I'm in his plans and an important player in the team - and that it won't be long until I start playing again.

Confidence

"I have confidence in my ability and I know I'm a good player. My time will come."

Meanwhile, Zadkovich hopes to finally get his chance to play for the first team after signing a two-year deal earlier this year.

After a successful trial, he officially joined the club in July but was away on international duty during the close season.

On his return, he was then sidelined by a hernia problem but is now fit after surgery and made his first appearance for the club when he scored in a 2-2 draw at Walsall in the Reserve League Cup on Wednesday.

But he knows it will be difficult to force his way into a side which is now unbeaten in six games.

He said: "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.

Wait

"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.

"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.

"But obviously, I will be looking to get a spot in the team if I can.

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