Stead has scored against Coventry, Luton and Leicester

Stead, who is on loan from Sunderland until the turn of the year, took his tally to three goals in as many games in Saturday's 1-0 win over Leicester.

Davies told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "I'm convinced this is the right place for him.

"We just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope something can be done. We can only do what we can do."

He is a great lad, a joy to work with, and has settled into the squad Billy Davies on Jon Stead

Stead followed up his goals against Coventry and Luton with his first at Pride Park at the weekend.

It was also his first home goal for either Blackburn, Sunderland or Derby in 30 months.

"I've had a good chat with him and explained my feelings," added Davies.

"We can offer him the club we are, the facilities we have and the potential that is here and hope he buys into where we are trying to go as regards to ambition.

"He is a great lad, a joy to work with, and has settled into the squad. I have my own thoughts on the player and on his play."