Derby have struggled to build on their excellent start to the season, with Mason Mount's absence in recent weeks proving to be a real issue for Frank Lampard's side. 

Mount hasn't featured for the Rams since their win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup back in late January.

There will have been fears that he might not return before the end of the season, but Derby revealed on their Twitter account that he had returned to training on Thursday.

His return couldn't have come at a better time, with the Rams just outside of the play-off places heading into the final eight games of the season.

Mount has four goals and two assists to his name in the Championship and will be hoping to get back to his best when he makes his full return to the first-team.

He has been thriving under the guidance of Frank Lampard and he evidently has a bright ahead of him.

But can Derby reignite their charge for the play-off places now that Mount is back in action?

We discuss....

Alfie Burns: 

"Maybe not singlehandedly, but he improves their chance.

"Derby haven't looked the same without him in the centre of the pitch and if he can rediscover his early season form, the Rams should be on for a strong finish.

"Lampard's going to be delighted."

Ben Lang: 

"This news will be a massive boost for Derby's promotion hopes.

"The Rams have suffered a blip in form of late and they have been in need of some good news to reinvigorate their season.

"Derby must try and get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Toby Wilding: 

"This could be the boost Derby's stuttering play-off hopes need.

"The Rams have only won twice in nine league games since Mount's last appearance for the club.

"The on-loan Chelsea man was a huge threat for Derby and Frank Lampard will be hoping he can recapture the form he had shown earlier this season."