Craig Bryson is still yet to play since the opening day against Bolton after the injury he suffered early in that match clearly was far worse than first anticipated.
He himself conceded that he ‘still has a lot of work to do’ after making a comeback for the under-21 squad this week but it seems there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.
Since his injury the Rams have signed Jacob Butterfield for £4 million, Bradley Johnson for £6 million and Jeff Hendrick has hit a bit of form. In fact, the midfield three is a strong area for Derby, so is there a way back for Craig?
For the answer you only need to look at Cyrus Christie who has demonstrated that under this manager, no position is set in stone.
The Scottish midfielder struggled for consistency last season, was a bit in and out of the side and certainly wasn’t the only player not to have had the best of campaigns as things disastrously fell apart.
Like other players, it shouldn’t be held against him and he deserves a chance, as he was given when he was included in the starting eleven on the opening day of the season at Bolton.
His form in the 2013/14 season, which saw him hit 16 goals, was stunning and he is still that same player. He is at his best when he can get forward and link up with Chris Martin in the final third. Competition is high but Bryson is still a good option who cannot to be dismissed.
George Thorne of course has his midfield slot nailed, as does Bradley Johnson at the moment. A couple of good matches meant Jeff Hendrick had the third slot but Jacob Butterfield was given his chance with Hendrick being unavailable at Huddersfield.
Johnson is quite the energetic box-to-box type, similar to Bryson, but with more passing vision and power. Hendrick is similar in that he flourishes when attacking, leaving just Butterfield as a more neat ball-playing midfielder comfortable in both halves.
Do two similar players (i.e. Johnson & Hendrick or Bryson) work in the side? Yes, of course, you just have to look at the Rams recent form as proof.
There is no doubt that Bryson will get a chance, and when he does, he’ll have to take it with both hands considering the competition.
Given a role in the midfield where he has the licence to get forward freely at pop up in and around the box, he will be a huge asset to Derby and only add to the depth of the squad.
For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.