Mile Sterjovski is wanted back in Australia.

Still a regular in the national side, the 29-year-old forward has dropped down the Pride Park pecking order this season.

"He has a lot of pace and great technique, he's flexible and can score and make goals," coach Miron Bleiberg told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"Mile is a Socceroo who played at the 2006 World Cup and has played well across Europe for the past eight years.

"He was signed by Derby to play in the Premiership, which I think would have suited his style far more than the Championship, which is a very physical and tough league."

Gold Coast will join the A-League in the 2009/10 season.