It must be so frustrating to be a Derby County fan, they're forever on the cusp of a top-flight return but never seem to have the legs to get over the line.

Once again, this season has promised so much but could now deliver so little. They're just outside the top six with a game in hand, but that is against promotion chasing Cardiff City. It would be hard to back them for a play-off spot now, despite looking like automatic contenders at one stage.

Gary Rowett hasn't got the squad too far away, but there's still clearly some tweaking to be done if he's to guide them into the Premier League after a decade in the Championship.

Perhaps the time has come to invest in English players, both proven and with potential, to fire them back to where they belong.

It's worked for Fulham, they're climbing high with the likes of Ryan Fredericks, Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.

There's value in adding home-grown talent to the squad, not least the fact that when they hit form, their value can increase significantly.

With that in mind, here's four English players we feel would be big additions for Derby County.

The 25-year old has been one of the bright sparks in a dull season for Bradford City and he looks set for a big summer move.

He's young enough to grow in value but experienced enough to have proven himself as a goal scorer. He would be a great partner up top for Matej Vydra and wouldn't cost the earth to acquire.

The Greenwich-born 26-year old has been in electric form for Walsall this season and would surely represent a wise investment for Gary Rowett.

His contract is up this summer and there's huge potential looking at his goals and assists count this season. He's primed for a Championship move and Derby would be wise to ensure that Pride Park is his destination.

Ojo has been a big part of Fulham's climb up the table and has proven he can adapt to life in the Championship. His loan deal at Craven Cottage will end in the summer and his future remains unclear.

Given his recent experience of a play off race and his undoubted talent, Derby would do well to make an enquiry into his availability. A loan spell would be beneficial, a permanent deal could reap big rewards in a year or two.

Powell has been excellent for Wigan all season and is finally fulfilling some of that early career promise he showed. Are his current club big enough to match his ambitions?

He wouldn't come on the cheap, but he does possess undoubted quality and would likely increase in value with another good season of football under his belt.