Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is eager to get started with new club AS Roma.

Smalling could make his Roma debut in Sunday's derby against Lazio after joining on loan from Manchester United.

The 29-year-old, who has signed until the end of the season, is available to get his first taste of Serie A football at the Stadio Olimpico, where Roma will be the designated visitors.

"It is a game that is always on television, all over the world," Smalling said of the derby. "It's big in everyone's minds, across the world.

"Just in terms of the fans, they are crazy and that is what we need as players - it drives us on.

"So to come in and have the derby within a couple of days is the perfect set-up."