Brett Emerton has endorsed Matt Derbyshire’s move to A-League’s newest team, Macarthur FC.

Derbyshire has signed for the Australian side ahead of their inaugural A-League season will get underway in December, ending his four years in Cyprus with Omonia Nicosia.

It has been a globetrotting career for Derbyshire since his departure from Rovers in 2009, spending time in Greece with Olympiakos as well as four years with Nicosia where he scored 69 goals and captained the side under former Rovers boss Henning Berg.

There will be a familiar face for the 34-year-old at his new club, with Emerton an ambassador at Macarthur, the pair having spent six years as team-mates at Ewood Park following the Australian’s switch from Feyenoord.

"I know he will be a perfect fit for the club, an out and out striker,” said the now 41-year-old.

"He has three young boys and some family here in Australia. It will be a good opportunity for them to see him play."

Derbyshire was third in the scoring charts on 14 when the Cypriot season was curtailed in March with Omonia top of the table and chasing a first league title in 10 years under Berg.

But ready for a new challenge, Derbyshire, who signed for Rovers from Great Harwood Town in 2003, is excited by the new project.

"After speaking with Ante about his vision for Macarthur FC, the choice was a simple one and I think him for the opportunity to play for the club," he said.

"I have never played in Australia before, and am not only looking forward to the challenge of a top-quality league, but also playing my part in building a new club that the region will be proud of."

Macarthur have already snapped up national team experience in the form of Adam Federici, Tommy Oar and Mark Milligan, with Derbyshire added to a growing squad.

Welcoming his  latest recruit, manager Ante Milicic told his club’s website: "With 62 goals from 113 appearance, and 10 goal assists for Omonia in Cyprus, plus Premier League experience, Matt is a perfect fit to spearhead our attack.

"Matt is a very strong player who competes on every challenge. Technically sound and a good mover on his feet.

"He is a quality finisher and I'm looking forward to seeing him in the A-League."