Former Derby and West Ham fullback Tyrone Mears is excited about his shock move to Olympique Marseille.

The defender, 25, joined the early French league leaders on a season's loan from the Rams after he impressed coach Eric Gerets in a two-day trial.

Mears said: "I believe in my abilities and, if I have to fight for a place, I'm ready for the challenge.

"I've come here to play football with a big club which is in the Champions League and I don't think the French league will be so different from the Premier League.

"It's more technical but I'll adapt."