Derby County boss Steve McClaren delighted with capture of Stephen Warnock from Leeds United

The Ormskirk-born left-back, who has been capped twice by England, has signed an 18-month deal with the Rams, with the option of a further year.

He has played more than 350 games during an impressive 12 year career, which included spells at Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Said McClaren: “We’re very pleased to welcome Stephen Warnock to Derby County.

“We are always looking for players to strengthen our squad. The opportunity to sign Stephen came about and it was one we could not turn down.

“As well as being a very good player he has excellent leadership qualities.

“He has bags of experience, which he can hopefully pass on to the younger players in the squad.

“He is a solid and experienced defender who certainly strengthens our defensive options for the remaining months of the season.

“The next few months are going to be extremely important for us and it is vital to have a strong squad to call upon.”

Warnock is not fit for Saturday’s game against Nottingham Forest but could feature in the FA Cup fourth round tie against Chesterfield the following Saturday.

McClaren also confirmed he remains keen on signing Eibar defender Raul Albentosa.