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Warnock has made more than 400 club appearances during his career

Derby County have signed former England left-back Stephen Warnock on an 18-month contract from Leeds United.

The deal had been delayed because of an ankle injury sustained by Warnock playing against the Rams last month.

The 33-year-old was captain at Leeds and head coach Steve McClaren said Warnock's experience would be crucial for the promotion-chasing Rams.

"As well as being a very good player he has excellent leadership qualities," McClaren told the club website. external-link

"The next few months are going to be extremely important for us and it is vital to have a strong squad to call upon."

Warnock joined Leeds in 2013 and has made 22 appearances this season, 21 of them starts in the Championship.

He began his career with Liverpool and has also played for Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.

Warnock, who won two England caps, was given his first international call-up in 2005, when McClaren was on the coaching staff.