Hendrie has had a frustrating time at Bramall Lane

New signing Lee Hendrie hopes he can win a long-term contract at Derby County after initially joining until the end of the season.

The former Aston Villa midfielder, 32, told BBC Radio Derby: "I've got until the end of the season and there's a carrot there.

"I've got a lot to prove to the gaffer that I am still good enough and I can still play.

"But I love my training, I can still get about the pitch and I'm still fit."

Hendrie spent 13 years at Villa Park and was capped by England in 1999.

But his career at Villa stalled in the final couple of seasons and he struggled to hold down a regular spot.

Since leaving the club in 2007 he has failed to settle anywhere, despite spells with Stoke, Leicester, Blackpool and a permanent move to Sheffield United.

However, Hendrie said he was determined to get his career back on track this season, even though it soon became apparent he would not be able to do that at Bramall Lane.

"I haven't really had much of an opportunity at Sheffield United since Bryan Robson left," Hendrie said.

"The new manager came in and I found myself out of favour and training with the kids and doing my best to get back involved and prove I am good enough to play at the top levels.

606: DEBATE I am quite pleased about Hendrie signing. I have always thought he's a decent Championship player and worth a punt. BACKO66

"This summer I've worked really, really hard at getting my fitness high and trying to prove a few points.

"Unfortunately I missed the first three games through suspension and that pushed me out of favour a little bit more.

"I found myself training with the kids when there was a place on the bench for me at Reading and that's when I thought 'I've got to go out and get some football somewhere'."

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