Championship side Derby County have made their fifth signing of the summer with the addition of Northern Ireland international Chris Baird.
Baird joins the Rams on a two-year contract, becoming the sixth club he will turn out for since making his debut for Southampton in 2003.
The 33-year-old left West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season, making 24 appearances for the Midlands side.
Paul Clement's rebuilding work continues
Incoming Derby manager Paul Clement described Baird as an "excellent professional" and "an important addition" as he looks to rebuild his side ahead of his debut season as a head coach.
The former Real Madrid assistant added: “This is another extremely positive signing for us and we’re very pleased."
The versatile defender will provide vital experience alongside fellow defensive signing, Alex Pearce.
The most successful season for the Ballymoney-born star came under Roy Hodgson for Fulham in the 2009/10 season starring in the Europa League run which saw them beat Serie A giants Juventus and reach the final.
After making 165 appearances for Fulham, Baird moved onto Reading for the 2013/14 season before a short stint at Burnley in their promotion campaign to the Premier League.
Baird is an experienced international
Baird has turned out 72 times for his country so far. Most recently, in a 0-0 draw - Romania last week as Martin O'Neill looks to take Northern Ireland to the UEFA European Championships for the first time in France next year.
Derby are the most active side so far in the transfer window signing five players. Andreas Weimann and Scott Carson joined from Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic respectively in the past week with Pearce and Darren Bent already joining Clement's side.
Rumours are rife that Derby have met the clause in Tom Ince's contract to sign former England man Paul Ince's son from Hull City, where he has failed to settle.
The revolving door at the iPro Stadium started with the departure of six first-team players including Lee Naylor, Zak Whitbread, and Jamie Ward.
