Derby County secured an excellent three points against bitter rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday at Pride Park.

One notable absentee for the Rams was midfielder Bradley Johnson, who was suspended for the East Midlands Derby match.

Matej Vydra was utilised in the number ten role, that Johnson often is played in, and the Czech Republic attacker had a fine match and proved a constant menace for the Forest defence.

Does this mean Johnson's spot in the starting XI is now under threat?

The writers here at FLW have their say....

Chris Gallagher

He should be on the bench on Saturday.

Quite simply because Matej Vydra has to play off the striker. Gary Rowett should be building his time around the Czech attacker and that leaves Johnson competing with Joe Ledley and Tom Huddlestone for the two deep midfield positions.

Those pair have performed well in recent weeks and have contrasting qualities that bring a lot to the table. Despite his goals, it's the bench for the ex-Norwich man.

George Dagless

I think he's going to get splinters.

Johnson was suspended for the game between Derby and Forest and after the Rams saw out the win, I can't see where he gets in.

Matej Vydra has to start in the No. 10 role whilst Tom Huddlestone and Joe Ledley look locked in in the holding positions.

He's going to be on the bench for the next few weeks.

Alfie Burns

Johnson is an excellent Championship player, but on Sunday’s performance against Forest without the midfielder, it is hard to see how he will get back in.

Joe Ledley and Tom Huddlestone look solid as a rock, and Derby had far more attacking threat with Matej Vydra supporting David Nugent.

Johnson will of course have a role to play this season, but for now, he will have to be patient.