Derby County's task against Leeds United next weekend was already a tough one. 

The Rams are still waiting for a second win of the season after drawing with Cardiff City last night, as Phillip Cocu searches for some consistency from his team.

However, ahead of the game at Elland Road next weekend, the Rams and Cocu have suffered further bad news, with attacking midfielder Tom Lawrence set to miss the game after picking up his fifth booking of the season already last night.

Lawrence has racked up the cards in just six games this term, hinting at a possible discipline problem for the Welsh youngster.

He has yet to hit top form for Derby this season and cut a frustrated figure once again last night, with one late free-kick in particular pretty much summing up his night as it sailed high and wide of the top corner with the scores level at 1-1.

Lawrence's loss in what will already be a difficult task at Elland Road only further complicates things for Cocu and his coaching team as they go to one of the promotion favourites looking to cause an upset of sorts.

The former Leicester City man scored six times last season as he became a regular under Frank Lampard, with the Rams just missing out on promotion as they were undone by Aston Villa in the play-off final.

The Verdict

This is just poor in all honesty from a player who doesn't even need to be getting involved in this aspect of the game.

Lawrence should stick at what he does best and start putting the ball in the net while laying on chances for his teammates.

Going to Leeds is already hard enough, so to be missing out through yellow cards at such an early stage of the season is bordering on ridiculous. Cocu needs to address this and address it quick.