91Èȱ¬

Derby County have released left-back Gareth Roberts after three seasons with the Championship club.

Roberts, who has played more than 100 games for the Rams, will be 35 in June.

Manager Nigel Clough said Roberts had been "brilliant", but said the time was right for the defender to move on.

Clough told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Derby: "He's been brilliant to have around the place. I wish he was a year or two younger. But we are trying to sign Craig Forsyth and we have to move on at some point."

Forsyth has impressed during a loan spell at Pride Park from Watford and the Rams are trying to wrap up a permanent deal for the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, Roberts intends to find another club in order to prolong his career.

"I definitely want to keep going," he said. "I still feel fit and strong and enjoy do what I am doing day in, day out. I will hopefully play for another three or four years."

Clough said Roberts, who would be missed at Pride Park,

"He has been a great example to the younger players. To still be playing as well in the Championship says an awful lot about his professionalism and fitness," he added.

"There are not many players playing the Championship who are 35 plus, so we think it just might be one season too many for him. I hope he gets on in whatever he does.

"He will have a think about what he wants to do. Whatever he does we will wish him all the best and will help him however we can."