Matt Derbyshire joins Nottingham Forest from Olympiakos

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Matt Derbyshire
Image caption,

Derbyshire started four league games for Birmingham last season

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Matt Derbyshire from Greek side Olympiakos.

Derbyshire, 25, spent last season on loan with Premier League side Birmingham City.

No permanent deal was done and the former Blackburn Rovers forward has now joined Forest on a three-year deal.

"Forest is a progressing club that's on the way up and it's important for me that I start playing football again," said Derbyshire.

"Playing for Olympiakos was a different experience and I got to play Champions League football. I think I learned a great deal and now I'm keen to put that to good effect with Forest.

"I've been very impressed with what I've heard from [manager] Steve McClaren - he has got massive ambitions for the club and I want to be part of that.

"You don't become the England manager if you are not a good coach first and foremost and I am looking forward to working with him."

The former England Under-21 international becomes McClaren's fourth signing, following Andy Reid, Jonathan Greening and George Boateng.

Derbyshire's career began at Ewood Park, where he scored 20 league and cup goals in 86 appearances.

After moving to Olympiakos on loan in January 2009, he scored twice in the club's Greek Cup final victory over AEK Athens.

He completed a permanent switch to Greece the following summer and became a popular figure among the club's fans when he scored the winning goal against arch rivals Panathinaikos.

He scored three goals in 20 appearances for Birmingham City last season as the club were relegated from the Premier League.

The fee for the transfer has not been disclosed.

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