Derby County have had a difficult start to 2016, with a run of eight league matches without a win coming to an end last weekend with victory over Brentford.

The Rams' poor form cost head coach Paul Clement his job and has resulted in Darren Wassall being appointed for the rest of the campaign, and the interim boss has led the team to back-to-back wins for the first time since Christmas.

Despite struggling to pick up points over the last couple of months, Derby are still in the play-off places, just five points off the automatic promotion places.

With a new face at the helm, Derby could be one of the more active sides now that the emergency loans window has re-opened, particularly now that Wassall has had a couple of weeks to assess his squad.

FootballLeagueWorld looks at some of the players that could be heading for the exits at the iPro Stadium......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE THREE PLAYERS!

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Jonathan Mitchell

Goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell has split his time between the seniors and the Under-21's this season, helping Derby beat Hartlepool United in the FA Cup, while featuring on the bench in the league.

The 21-year-old is yet to play in the Championship though and is out of contract in the summer, so this is a good time for the Rams to send him out on loan to secure some regular first-team league action before deciding whether to offer him a new deal.

It looks like Derby will be keen to keep hold of the youngster, with the club's goalkeeping coach describing him as one of the best young talents he's ever worked with, while he's kept clean sheets in five of his 10 appearances in the Under-21 Premier League this season.

The Newcastle academy graduate has previously had loan spells with non-league Workington, and would surely relish the chance to show he can challenge Scott Carson and Lee Grant for playing time next season.

Jamie Hanson

Midfielder Jamie Hanson has been in and out of the squad this season, making 11 league appearances for Derby, as well as taking part in six games for the Under-21s.

The 20-year-old has started the team's last two games, but is likely to find himself under pressure for a place in the squad when Will Hughes returns from his six-month layoff with a knee ligament injury in the coming weeks.

Hanson is a versatile midfielder who has been used as a defensive midfielder and in the centre for the Rams, but moving between the senior squad and youth side have prevented him getting into a routine this season, so the chance to have an extended spell with another side could really benefit the youngster.

Hanson has done a job when Derby have been short of players through injury this season, but he needs more experience if he's going to become a regular next season.

Jake Buxton

Defender Jake Buxton hasn't featured in the Championship for almost a year, having struggled to return to fitness after undergoing back surgery last March.

After a couple of outings with the reserves and an appearance in the FA Cup in January, the 30-year-old finally appears to be nearing a return to action, and has been an unused substitute in Derby's last three matches.

Buxton has insisted that he's prepared to fight to regain his place, but after such a long time out and Derby boasting one of the strongest defences in the division, Wassall will be wary of reintegrating him too soon.

Buxton's experience could be useful towards the end of the season if Derby do secure a place in the playoffs, but a short loan spell could really help the centre-back get back up to speed.

Derby fans...What do you make of these players? Who do you think the club should send out on loan? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!