ALEX PEARCE HAS joined Derby on a free transfer, taking the total number of Irish players in their squad to five.

Pearce joins Cryus Christie, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Sammon and club captain Richard Keogh, as the Rams look to bounce back after just missing out on a playoff spot in the 2014-15 campaign.

Pearce joins from Reading on a free transfer, while Darren Bent has also signed from the club, after being released by Aston Villa.

Paul Clement succeeded Steve McClaren as boss of Derby on 1 June, but it is understood that the deals were already in motion before the former Real Madrid assistant coach took over.

“I have been at Reading since I was 12 years old,” Pearce told the official club website.

“But there is always a time in your life when you have to move on with certain things and this is the time for me.

“I need a fresh challenge and this with Derby is exactly what I’m looking for.”

It is encouraging news for the 26-year-old defender, who is currently on duty with the Ireland squad ahead of their upcoming clash with Scotland and had been one of a number of Irish players available on a free transfer this summer.

Meanwhile, Cork-born goalkeeper Colin Doyle has joined Blackpool, after being released by Birmingham.

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