The 33-year-old midfielder will spend a month at the Withdean Stadium, after losing his place in Paul Jewell's side, but he insists his Derby career is far from over.

He told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "I would love to play for Derby again, of course I would, and that's why I'm prepared to go out on loan to maintain my match fitness.

"I have never been so low on confidence in my career as I am now. I just need a lift and, hopefully, going out on loan to play football for a month will give me that lift. I am looking forward to the challenge at Brighton. Micky Adams wants me and that is a nice feeling.

"I am an honest guy. I don't want to be sat twiddling my thumbs on a Saturday afternoon. At my age - I am 34 in a few weeks - I need to be playing to maintain my match fitness. Playing is important to me, very important.

"Hopefully, in this loan spell, I can do a great job for Brighton and find the lift in form and confidence I am looking for."