Since his return to Pride Park, Steve McClaren has turned Derby County's fortunes around significantly this season.

The Rams already have a hugely talented squad certainly capable of winning promotion to the Premier League this season and it remains to be seen whether or not the former England boss will look to improve his squad in the forthcoming January transfer window.

With so quality players in the squad, it may mean that McClaren may choose to axe a couple of Derby players in the window to free up some space in his squad for potential future arrivals.

Still, making some room for New Year reinforcements could really provide the Rams impetuous to further their charge and help heal the heartache of years gone by.

So here are TWO Derby players that McClaren definitely must axe in the coming weeks...

Abdoul Camara

Since his arrival Angers SCO last January, the Guinea international has failed to make an impact at Pride Park and has had little opportunities to prove himself under any of the recent managers.

The pacey winger needs game time to develop his game further and he simply isn't getting enough of this whilst playing for the East Midlands club.

A move away from the Rams would arguably be better for both McClaren, who can free up some more space in his squad, and Camara who can get more first team football.

Jason Shackell

It was a huge statement from the Rams when the signed Shackell from Burnley last season, but the experienced centre-half hasn't hit the form the made Derby sign him in the first place.

For Burnley, Shackell was a commanding figure and leader in the heart of their back four but has failed to replicate this for the east Midlands club.

At 33-years-old and with both Richard Keogh and Alex Pearce forming such a strong partnership in recent times, McClaren should axe him and bring in another defender who can add some quality into the Derby squad.

Derby County fans... Should McClaren axe these two players? Who should he replace them with in the January transfer window? Let us know what you think in the comments below!