WANDERERS can expect Taribo West to liven up the Reebok, according to his former boss Jim Smith.

The ex-Derby County manager took the Nigerian international to Pride Park two seasons ago for a memorable six-month stint.

The 28-year-old was on loan from Italian giants AC Milan and made a big impression on Smith.

When West arrived Derby were in big trouble in the Premiership but he helped turn the club around with his talent on the pitch and his character off it.

"I was fond of him," Smith said. "He was a very good footballer and he did a good job for us in the early stages.

"He was a real character and added a sparkle to the place. He was certainly different.

"His ability is remarkable. He said he'd come to save Derby which he did.

"He could take a rollocking and he was prepared to give the other lads one as well."

West played 20 games for Derby, 18 of them in the Premiership before returning to AC and then moving on to Germany with Kaiserslautern where his stay ended in April.

He is no stranger to transfers, having started his career as a 21-year-old with French side Auxerre, playing 64 games in four years.

From there he moved on to Inter Milan where his stay lasted 40 games before a move across the Italian city to AC where he played just three games.