Australia international Mile Sterjovski, who flies out to China on World Cup duty after Saturday's match at Middlesbrough, reckons the Derby crowd at last weekend's home game was one of the best he has ever experienced.

Despite playing football at the highest level, including the 2006 World Cup, Mile described the Manchester United home game as "awesome".

Speaking to RamsWorld in a video interview to be broadcast for subscribers on Thursday, the winger said: "To be honest it was probably one of the best receptions I've ever been involved in. The reception has been good all season but I can only call that awesome. The fans have been really positive even when the results haven't gone our way and that's one of the reasons we really have to get some wins for them."

And the Rams' January signing - a veteran of more than 30 games for his country - is undaunted by two 5,000-mile trips in between the Middlesbrough and Fulham games.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of the China game," he said. "It will be a difficult game with a lot of travelling but the national team is well prepared with medical staff and will make sure we're in good condition and I'm confident I can get back in good shape for the game against Fulham because that's equally important.

"It hasn't been the best of seasons but I'm confident we can pick up some results and pass the 15 points total. We had a good performance against Man United and I think we can build on that."

And Mile is pleased with the way he has fitted in since is move from Turkish side Genclerbirligi OFTAS. "It's sometimes hard enough to settle into a team that's doing well, let alone one that is struggling," he said, "but I think I'm settling in well. I'm really happy here."

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