Things are looking up for Derby County after a slow start to the season. The Rams are just one point behind the promotion pushing pack, having stretched their unbeaten run to six games.

With Bradley Johnson adding quality to their midfield and Chris Martin proving a force to be reckoned with, it looks as if Paul Clement has the players available to him in order to seriously push for promotion.

The former Real Madrid assistant took over a side that has experienced play-off heartache over the past couple of years, narrowly missing out last term under Steve McClaren.

The Rams fans will not get carried away with the recent run of good form, they know what the gruelling Championship season can do to the best laid plans of mice and men.

The squad clearly boasts quality throughout, with many players being the envy of most of their league rivals. However, there is some room for improvement of course.

Here are FIVE dismal Derby dynamos to dispose with…

SIMON DAWKINS

The former Spurs youngster can’t seem to get a look in at Pride Park this season.

With Tom Ince, Andreas Weimann and a returning Craig Bryson all able to be deployed in wide positions, it’s difficult to see the Jamaica international fitting in.

A Steve McClaren signing, the 27-year-old looks to be a major casualty in the change of philosophy.

JAKE BUXTON

Buxton has been a decent Derby servant since joining the club over half a decade ago, but time has passed him by it seems.

Jason Shackell, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce and Chris Baird provide adequate cover at centre-half, and Buxton should be moved on.

Competition for places has become too much for him, and he should be thanked for his services but shipped on.

STEPHEN WARNOCK

Former Liverpool youngster Stephen Warnock has provided decent cover in the year he’s been at Pride Park, but with Craig Forsyth and even Ryan Shotton able to play at left-back, the ageing defender should be cut loose.

The 33-year old is unlikely to be a huge loss to Clement and his side, and if no fee comes in for him, at least shift his wages – likely to be quite high.

KELLE ROOS

The young shot-stopper has Lee Grant and Scott Carson ahead of him in the pecking order, and recently spent an ill-fated six weeks on loan at Rotherham.

Conceding ten goals in just four appearances has not done wonders for his reputation, and it’s hugely unlikely he will see much action between the sticks other than a freak injury crisis.

DARREN BENT

When Darren Bent joined Derby, eyebrows were raised, but it seemed to be somewhat of a coup. A former Tottenham, Sunderland and England striker had joined the ranks and fire the Rams back into the Promised Land.

Things have not worked out so well, as the ex-Charlton man missed a penalty in order to seal a play-off place last year. Recently, he has been fined for not showing up on time for a game.

With Chris Martin and Johnny Russel up front, the Rams have a solid partnership. Former Aston Villa man Andreas Weimann provides solid backup, so if Bent’s poor attitude is to continue, show him the door.