Former Derby County star John Harkes has backed their latest American signing Benny Feilhaber to be a big hit at Pride Park.

Feilhaber is joining Derby from Germany's SV Hamburg and Harkes told the Derby Telegraph: "I know him very well - he's a great player.

"His technique, vision and pace are his main attributes and, when he plays in central midfield, he's very strong.

"He holds the ball very well and doesn't waste possession."

Harkes, now assistant boss at Major League Soccer team New York Red Bull believes Feilhaber would be comfortable in English football.

"He'll definitely be suited to the English game," said Harkes. "The pace of the game and the high turnovers of possession will suit him.

"Benny is a very fit player and I think he'll cope well.

"He started off as a creative midfielder but he can also play in a defensive role.

"I think he played as a defensive midfielder in Germany but for the US team, he's done both.

"He scored a great goal in the Gold Cup final and played very well in the whole tournament."