Defender Ashley Cole has joined previous Chelsea teammate and present Derby boss Frank Lampard at the Championship club till the end of the season.

Cole,38, who won 107 England caps, was a free agent after his recent exit from LA Galaxy, and Lampard is confident he will increase Derby’s promotion drive.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure Ashley’s services for the rest of the season,” said the Derby manager, whose sideare currently in sixth place in the Championship, the final play-off spot.

“He’s a fantastic player, a quality left-back, and he also brings great experience to the dressing room.

“I know him very well from our time together at Chelsea, and with England, and I also know what he can bring to the group and the influence he will have.”

Cole, who won multiple trophies together with Lampard at Chelsea including the Champions League, said he loved the challenge.

“For me, it was a no-brainer to come here and get involved in this great environment and hopefully push for promotion,” he said.

“I’m coming out of my comfort zone,” he added. “I could have stayed in the MLS and relaxed but no, I wanted to come here and again fight for something, fight for a good cause and try to make promotion.”