Russian Midfielder may be Gregory's next target

Last updated : 22 March 2002 By

Valeri Karpin
Valeri Karpin
John Gregory is looking at the Russian international midfielder Valeri Karpin as the next step in his revival plans at Pride Park.

Valeri is currently playing in the Spanish League for Celta Vigo and will be a free agent in the summer. He has played 23 times this season and scored two goals. His experience in International and European games should be a major plus if Gregory is successful in bringing the Russian to Pride Park.

At 33 Karpin is in the twilight of his career but Gregory sees him as a stopgap in a Rams midfield that will need a major overhaul after the season ends.

Karpin is no angel when it comes to discipline, having had 9 yellow cards and two red cards shown to him already this season. This is something I am sure John Gregory would have to look at if the rumoured interest in the player is to go any further.