Derby County's play-off ambitions seem to be diminishing each game that comes, with the Rams currently eight points off the top six following their entertaining 4-3 home defeat to Cardiff City in midweek.

Where the problem lies is unknown to some, with a squad on paper that should easily be within the hunting pack for promotion but every season Derby tend to bottle it and end up in mid-table.

Now that it looks like Steve McClaren's team might not challenge for a trip to Wembley come May, the club need to start thinking long-term.

I'm sure the first thing on their agenda will be the future of the manager and whether he's the person who can take Derby County to the Premier League, but secondly it's the playing squad.

They will definitely lose one or two key first-team members if they fail to challenge for the play-offs, so its time to secure players for next season.

Here are TWO out-of-contract at Pride Park who need to be tied down to new deals......

 

Cyrus Christie

Cyrus Christie signed for Derby back in 2014 from Coventry City on a three-year deal, which means his current contract at the club is up for renewal.

The 24- year-old right-back has been a prominent part in his side's campaign having made 21 appearances in all competitions, and with him still being young there is another couple of years for him to develop.

Christie is more or less the Rams' first choice in his position and instead of going into the market to find a replacement, which will of course cost money, they should tie their current employee down to a new deal at Pride Park.

 

Darren Bent

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Aston Villa striker has played a pivotal role in Steve McClaren's team this season, with his mass of experience contributing goals and chances for his team-mates.

Darren Bent arrived at the club on a permanent basis in the summer of 2015 following a successful loan spell, which saw him bag ten goals in 15 matches.

The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract then but does have the option to extend it for a further 12 months, and that would be ideal for both parties.

Bent has scored on 12 occasions this campaign and despite his age, he can still offer a lot and we've seen that throughout the last seven months with his quality finishes - it would be idiotic for Derby County not to trigger a further one-year clause on his current deal.

Derby County fans, do you agree? Does Darren Bent warrant another year? Has Cyrus Christie got a long-term future at the club?

Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below!