Alex Pearce excited by "fresh challenge" at Derby County

Alex Pearce has revealed that he joined Derby County from Reading in order to experience a "fresh challenge".

The defender, 26, signed a three-year contract with the Rams on Monday.

Pearce leaves Reading following a 14-year association with the Berkshire-based club.

"I have been at Reading since I was 12 years old, but there is always a time in your life when you have to move on with certain things and this is the time for me," he told Derby's official website. "I need a fresh challenge and this with Derby is exactly what I'm looking for."

Pearce has won five senior caps for the Republic of Ireland.