Meredith loaned out by Rams

Teenage Australian defender James Meredith today joined Coca-Cola League one side Chesterfield on a one-month emergency loan.

The 18-year-old, who arrived from Melbourne in 2004, will make the move to Saltergate, who are managed by Rams legend Roy McFarland.

Meredith is an Academy product who was born in Albury, Australia, and he signed a two-year professional deal with the club in the summer of 2006.

Meredith began his career with Richmond FC and Box Hill junior FC in Victoria, before moving to the Victorian Institute of Sport were he had six months under Ernie Merrick, who has just coached Melbourne Victory to the 2006-07 A-League Championship, down under.

He was given the opportunity to trial at Derby County when, then Acedemy Director Terry Westley, was impressed and offered him a scholarship.

But with a number of niggling injuries and in-different form, he is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Rams and has also been out on loan to Conference National side Cambridge United this season.

Rans boss Billy Davies has said the younger players in his squad need first team football and Meredith will hope he gets that at Saltergate.