Derby County boss Paul Clement claimed after Friday evening's 2-0 win over Hull City, that his team had proved that they were firmly in the hunt to win the Sky Bet Championship this season.

The Rams slipped to third after Saturday's results which saw Middlesbrough and Brighton and Hove Albion both secure wins to go above the East Midlands-based club into the top two, but after spending a significant amount of money in the summer, there is little doubt that Derby will remain in the thick of the top six.

After a slow start to the season the Rams have kicked on over the last three months and are now beginning to show some of their pre-season billing.

Here Football League World's Lee Clarke takes a look at FIVE Derby players who would be deserving of a Christmas bonus if one was on offer......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

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George Thorne

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The former West Bromwich Albion youngster has really stepped up his form in the absence of the injured Will Hughes, and has been one of the Rams more formidable performers.

It represents a superb comeback for a player who missed a lot of last season with a serious knee injury, with his resurgence somewhat admirable.

Thorne is integral to how Derby play, particularly at home and he has also weighed in with a goal this season too.

Richard Keogh

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Keogh has come under some serious scrutiny from both Derby supporters and fans from opposition teams in previous years, and when he was stripped of the captaincy in the summer by Paul Clement, he must have feared his days in the white of Derby were numbered.

Instead, the player has dusted himself down and formed a formidable partnership with Rams new boy Jason Shackell at the heart of the back four.

Keogh is beginning to show the form that once earned him the move to Derby in the first place, and he appears to have a smile back on his face this season.

Scott Carson

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Carson has been in superb form between the sticks for the Rams since his summer move from Wigan Athletic.

The former England goalkeeper was signed by boss Paul Clement on a free transfer and he has promptly replaced last season's custodian Lee Grant, who has been forced into a back-up role during this campaign.

A solid shot-stopper who has made crucial saves at key times in games to earn many a point for the Rams already this season, his ability in organising the defensive line should not be underestimated either.

Chris Martin

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What you see with the combative striker is exactly what you get.

Martin has earned himself a reputation of being one of the most feared marksmen outside the top flight over the past three years and he is the Rams top scorer once again this season with eight goals.

With the Rams only playing with one central striker it has meant a season of frustration for veteran Darren Bent, but with Martin on current form it is easy to see just why he cannot force his way into the team.

Jacob Butterfield

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When Derby boss Paul Clement parted with £3.5 million for the Huddersfield Town midfielder, some questions were raised as to whether or not he would be good enough for the Rams.

His superb brace against Hull City last Friday pretty much summed up everything you need to know about the midfielder who offers work rate, good technical ability and an eye for a goal too.

Will be interesting to see where Butterfield will slot into the side once Will Hughes returns from injury, but on current form it could be the England Under-21 international who finds himself on the fringes instead.

Derby fans... Would you say these five players have been your best performers this season? Is there an obvious omission on the list? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!