Derby County face an away trip to Fulham on Saturday as they look to get their league form back on track.

The Rams were downed 4-2 by Jaap Stam's Reading at Pride Park in their last Championship outing, and Rowett will be keen to get back on the winning path in west London on Saturday.

Rowett will have some big calls to make in-terms of team selection, and one player pushing for a start is £1.8m-rated central midfielder George Thorne.

The former West Brom man has been sidelined with injury for a long period of time but is finally back in contention to feature for the Rams.

Should Rowett hand Thorne a start v Fulham on Saturday?

We take a look...

Adam Simeoni

I don't think he is ready just yet, but he is close.

Rowett may be tempted to throw Thorne into the side after the 4-2 defeat to Reading, but the midfielder cannot be rushed.

He's an impressive player when fit and has a lot of potential, but injuries mean he must be very carefully managed.

Chris Gallagher

No, not yet.

The midfielder has suffered with terrible injuries over the years and will take several more weeks to reach anywhere full fitness.

Derby aren't short in that area with Bradley Johnson, Joe Ledley and Tom Huddlestone available and I would go with the latter two on Saturday.

Alfie Burns

If I was Rowett, I’d definitely be tempted to hand Thorne a start.

Rowett has already spoken about squad rotation, with Derby facing a gruelling fixture list when the Championship returns.

Thorne is likely to play a part in that rotation, and with Joe Ledley returning back to Derby late from international duty, now could be the perfect time for Thorne to return.

George Dagless

He's hinted at it.

Thorne has worked his way back to fitness after injury and Rowett has suggested he'll return to the side sooner rather than later.

I think after their loss to Reading last time out now is as good a time as any.