Derby County face a tough test as they face Brentford on Wednesday evening.

After a torrid start to the new season the Rams are hoping that they can start to build some crucial momentum as we enter the frantic festive period.

A win over Millwall at the weekend will have done wonders for confidence in the Derby squad, and that's something that Wayne Rooney will be hoping to build on against Thomas Frank's side.

Unfortunately they've been dealt a significant selection blow.

Derby will be without Nathan Byrne for their trip to the Brentford Community Stadium.

The defender is set to serve a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the victory at the Den over the weekend.

In addition to bookings against Reading, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley and Middlesbrough, Byrne is now over the threshold and will miss the clash with the Bees.

Quiz: Did these 17 Derby County players ever actually score a league goal for the club?

The Verdict

This will be a significant blow for Wayne Rooney.

Byrne has started 14 of the 16 games so far this term and so there's no doubt that he'll be a miss against Brentford.

It remains to be seen who Rooney will pick in his place, but supporters will be desperate to get a positive result against the Bees.

Given that they're 23rd in the table it's crucial that they start to pick up points on a regular basis, however doing so without Byrne will be difficult.