Paul Jewell, the Derby County manager, says Lee Carsley is exactly the type of player he needs to recruit if the club are to bounce back next season.

The beleaguered manager has not won a match since he took over in November, but as he looks to rebuild following the club's relegation from the Premier League he says he is looking for players with character who can help him achieve promotion.

Carsley, who is out of contract in the summer, has been linked with a move to Pride Park, and Jewell was quick to praise the 34-year-old Ireland international.

"Lee has been one of Everton's best players this season," Jewell said. "I wouldn't be so silly as to comment on players who are in other manager's teams at the moment. That would be unfair and unwise. I don't think it's right for me to say I'm signing Lee Carsley, but certainly that type of player is what we're looking for, as well as some youth."