Jamie Ward leaves Derby County for East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward from East Midlands rivals Derby County.

The 29-year-old was a free agent this summer after not being offered a new contract by the Rams, and he has decided to switch white for red.

"I don't think anyone expected it," Ward told Forest's website. "But then I got the phone call and to be honest this was the only place I wanted to come.

"It feels a little bit strange but I'm excited about being here. The most important thing now is concentrating on what I can do for Nottingham Forest.

"As long as I'm playing and performing, I'm happy. I'm 29 now so I just want to play week in, week out."

Ward has signed a four-year contract with Forest, who can't spend money under their transfer embargo, and becomes their second addition in two days following Matt Mills's arrival yesterday.

Derby signed Ward initially on loan from Sheffield United and then permanently in 2011. He went on to score 34 goals during his time as a Ram.