Derby's play-off hopes were dealt a severe blow this week, with Frank Lampard confirming that Andy King is to be ruled out for the remainder of the season. 

The midfielder picked up an ankle ligament injury in the defeat to Nottingham Forest in midweek, and he will leave a notable void in the Derby midfield.

It will be hugely frustrating for King as well, as he only signed for the Rams on Deadline Day and he would have hoped this move would be a fresh start for the Welsh international.

Frank Lampard's side are currently in a poor run of form heading into their game against Aston Villa this weekend where they need a positive result to fire themselves back into the play-off places.

The Rams are currently sat 7th and just two points adrift of the top six heading into their game this weekend.

Lampard will have to make do without King for the remainder of the season though and he'll be reliant on a number of other midfield options that need to perform to a high standard.

But which players need to step up in King's absence for the remainder of the season?

Find out below....

Bradley Johnson

Johnson has been frozen out of the first-team picture for the majority of this season and has been restricted to just ten league starts.

He replaced King against Nottingham Forest and will be keen to stake a claim for a regular starting spot in Frank Lampard's squad in his absence.

George Evans

Evans has had his fair share of injury problems himself, but when he returns, he'll need to waste no time in hitting the ground running.

He plays a similar role to King in the Derby midfield and is a like-for-like replacement for the Welshman.

Tom Huddlestone

Huddlestone has been a regular in the Derby side in recent weeks, but needs to step up to the plate in King's absence.

His defence-minded approach is a good option to have, and he'll need to be at the top of his game for the rest of the season.