Derby County striker Conor Sammon has expressed hope that he can play Premier League football with the club.

The 26-year old, who has made seven appearances for the Republic of Ireland, moved to Pride Park from Wigan Athletic last summer.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has hinted that Sammon could play in the top flight, and the frontman has insisted that he wants to do so with Derby.

"When I signed for Derby, one of the main reasons was because I could see the size and ambition of the club," Sammon told the Derby Telegraph.

"Everyone around the club is striving to take the next step and there is a real ambition to get promoted back to the Premier League, which I'm delighted about.

"I've loved the challenge of playing more regularly. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get promoted last season but we'll be working even harder to achieve that next time. I'm extremely happy at Derby and I see my future here. As far as I am concerned, I couldn't be at a better place."

Sammon has scored nine goals in 47 appearances for Derby.