Davis gets Derby green light

Derby defender Claude Davis has won his appeal for a work permit and is finally ready to begin his Pride Park career.

The 28-year-old Jamaican agreed a £3million move from Sheffield United earlier this month but the deal was held up because he had not played enough international games over the last two years to meet the requirements.

However dispensation was granted to Davis at a hearing in Sheffield on Wednesday and Rams boss Billy Davies said: "We're delighted with the decision and welcome Claude as a Derby player."

He added: "We can now start to get him involved in playing matches and in further getting to know his team-mates and everyone else at the club.

"Claude is an excellent addition. Hopefully he'll be a huge asset to Derby County and it's down to him now to fight for his place, as is the case with every member of the squad."