If I play regularly I know I'm going to score goals Nathan Ellington

Derby County striker Nathan Ellington has said he is desperate to get his career back on track at Pride Park.

Ellington, who has joined the Rams on a season-long loan from Watford, was not a regular last term and scored just four goals in a miserable campaign.

"Last season was the worst year in my career," the 26-year-old told BBC Radio Derby. "I'm just itching to play again and show people what I can do.

"If I play regularly I know I'm going to score goals. I know what I can do."

Ellington takes great confidence from being able to renew acquaintances with Jewell - his former boss at Wigan.

The powerful frontman scored 24 goals to help Jewell's Wigan side win promotion to the Premier League in 2005 but he left that summer and his career has stalled since then.

"It's no secret that I've had the best time of my career under Paul Jewell," Ellington explained.

"I didn't get to play as many games as I would have liked last season - it was very disappointing all round.

"To give me the best chance to get my career back on track, I thought the best move would be to get back working with him again."

606: DEBATE I think most of us will end up slightly or even greatly UNDERwhelmed by signings Jewell brings in! Mostyn6 � � ? (B�o)

Ellington is also convinced his move will become permanent.

"I think it will happen and become permanent," he said. "It's just a matter of time really."

And Ellington says, despite a troubled spell at Vicarage Road, he has learned a great deal from the experience.

"It's tough to go through the hard times but it makes you a stronger player and I'm mentally strong and it's a learning curve," he said.