Many Derby County supporters have been suggesting that Max Bird might not be ready to be the first choice for the Rams alongside Wayne Rooney in midfield this season, following their 4-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers.

Bird has started all three of Derby’s Championship matches so far this campaign, having impressed for the Rams during the second half of last term – a period which saw him break through into Phillip Cocu’s starting line-up – and hopes were high that the midfielder could kick on this term.

The 20-year-old, though, like most of Derby’s players have struggled to find form during the first few weeks of the season, with the Rams having headed into the game against Blackburn under pressure after losing their first two league matches of the campaign.

Quiz: Have Derby County ever loaned out any of these 9 players?

Bird started alongside Rooney at the base of Derby’s midfield and both struggled to offer adequate protection in front of the Rams’ back four in the opening period of the game, which saw Blackburn score three goals in four minutes to put the game well beyond the reach of Cocu’s side.

The midfielder could still be a very important player for the Rams this term and he has the potential to develop into a crucial first team player for Derby for years to come. However, given Cocu’s side's struggles at the start of the campaign, it may be beneficial to get more experience into the side and take the 20-year-old out of the firing line.

Here, we take a look at what Derby fans made of Bird’s performance on social media…