Savage has joined Brighton on a month-long loan deal

New Brighton & Hove Albion loan signing Robbie Savage has hit out at his critics who claim he is past his best.

The 33-year-old hopes to use his time at the Withdean Stadium to prove his fitness and ability to compete for a place at his parent club Derby County.

He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "There are a lot of people who are saying nasty things, that I've gone.

"A fit Robbie Savage could easily get into any Championship team but I have to come here and prove it first."

The former Wales international added: "It's a big gamble for me, if I come here and don't perform, people will be saying 'he's useless now'."

Savage and Micky Adams spent a brief time together at Leicester City, and the 33-year-old midfielder admitted he was keen to re-acquaint himself with his old boss.

"If Micky (Adams) wasn't manager of Brighton I wouldn't have come, I knew what he could offer me and I know what he offers Brighton."