[AMERICAN ABROAD] Conor Doyle, 18, signed a two-year contract with English League Championship club Derby County on Friday.

The former Dallas Texans star had enrolled at Creighton University in the spring. Doyle, a forward, holds an Irish passport and therefore didn't need a work permit to sign with Derby, which opened its season Saturday with a 2-1 win at Leeds.

Doyle dressed but did not play.

"Conor has settled in very quickly and has impressed everyone," said man ager Nigel Clough on Derby's website.  "It is a big challenge for him and he has made a big decision."

The only other Americans in the second level of English soccer this season are Mike Grella, a late sub for Leeds against Derby, and Zak Whitbread, who did not dress for Norwich in its 3-2 loss to Watford.