Andy Hinchcliffe has stated that it is a worrying time at Derby County with an EFL charge still hanging over them.

Despite sitting just five points off the top six, the Rams still have a possibility that they will be charged by the EFL for a breach in the financial rules.

Sheffield Wednesday are in a similar position, and Birmingham City suffered the same fate last season when they received a nine point deduction, although it did not effect their Championship status.

Derby will have been buoyed by the recent run that they've been on, although Hinchcliffe has called for points of pessimism as a points deduction could really hurt them, especially if it's brought in before the end of the current campaign is over.

Speaking to the EFL Podcast, Hinchcliffe said: "It's a worrying time. Derby are pushing with Wayne Rooney. A points deduction would really hurt them.

"If you are found to break the rules the consequences are there."

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The Verdict

It's interesting to hear Hinchcliffe say this, and he's almost firing a warning at Derby telling them to not get carried away after what has been a brilliant upturn in form.

If they do receive a similar deduction to what Birmingham were awarded last season, then there's no reason why they won't be scrapping down at the bottom for the remainder of the campaign.

It could get very tasty, but at the same time until the charge is finalised, Derby have to focus on what they're doing and that's hunting down a play-off place.

If they can do that then it would be a massive achievement, and would show how far Phillip Cocu has brought this side.