Derby County are finally starting to pick up in the Sky Bet Championship after what has been an underwhelming season so far.

The arrival of Wayne Rooney has seemingly inspired the Rams, who knocked Premier League side Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

In the league, Phillip Cocu's side secured back-to-back league wins after victory over Barnsley last week, and now sit eight points off the play-offs in 17th position.

A top six finish is still a long way away for Derby, but the signs are there which show that with a few new faces, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the campaign.

This month will be so important for Derby and for Cocu to get rid of the deadwood and bring in players that will suit his footballing philosophy.

Here, then, we take a look at eight players that Derby should try to sign this month...

Derby lack natural width in their squad, and an out-and-out winger could be exactly what they need to help them improve.

Jack Clarke recently had his loan spell at Leeds United cut short, and is expected to depart Tottenham Hotspur on loan once again.

The 19-year-old showed in his first spell at Elland Road that he can be a real joy to watch once he gets on the ball down the right, and he could be a shrewd addition for the Rams.

The Rams have looked shaky in defence of late, and a new centre-half could definitely be on the radar this month.

The club have been linked with Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic, who has struggled for regular game time at the King Power Stadium under Brendan Rodgers.

Much will depend on the extent of his injury he picked up against Wigan in the FA Cup, but he is a hungry, young centre-half who is eager to learn and impress.

An experienced defender that Derby should look to target is Burnley's Ben Gibson.

The 26-year-old is massively out of favour at Turf Moor, and has made just one appearance this season which came against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup in August.

He has captained Middlesbrough to promotion before, and he would add real leadership to the back line alongside Curtis Davies.

Cenk Tosun has been linked with a move to Pride Park in recent times, and the powerful forward could add some real firepower to the Rams' attack.

The 28-year-old has scored 10 goals for Everton since joining from Besiktas in 2018, and a loan move away from Goodison Park could be beneficial for him.

If Jack Marriott is to leave next month, then he would be the perfect replacement.

Eddie Nketiah is another player that has had his loan spell at Leeds United be cut short, after making just two league starts for the Whites.

The Arsenal youngster is expected to sign for another Championship club on loan this month, and Derby should definitely look to be in the queue.

Nketiah scored five goals from off the bench for the Whites, and alongside a powerful striker in Chris Martin, he could be an outstanding signing for Derby.

Marcus Maddison is a player that has been linked with a move to Derby before, and he could add some real firepower to the midfield.

The playmaker has scored 10 goals and produced eight assists for Peterborough United this term, establishing himself as one of the best players outside of the second tier.

He is more than capable of making the step up, and as he is able to play out wide as well as in behind the striker, he would suit Cocu's 4-2-3-1 system really well.

With Ben Hamer and Kelle Roos the club's only goalkeepers at present, Derby have been linked with moves to sign goalkeepers.

Asmir Begovic could be a really shrewd addition for the Rams given his experience and quality in between the sticks, and is out of favour at AFC Bournemouth under Eddie Howe.

He would add real stability and leadership to the defence, something that Kelle Roos doesn't offer.

Joe Hart is another goalkeeper who could be of use to the Rams.

The former England international made only his second appearance of the season at the weekend, featuring in the 4-2 win over Peterborough for Burnley.

With the experienced shot-stopper approaching the latter stages of his playing career, he may be looking to play week in week out while he still can.