The midweek matches worked to Derby County's favour as they climbed back into the play-off zone.

Their dominant 3-0 victory over Ipswich took them above Sheffield Wednesday, who were pegged back by struggling Bristol City with a 2-2 draw.

The ambition from here is to achieve a play-off spot - which is McClaren's minimum requirement given the platform for success that he has set since being re-appointed as manager of Derby.

He took over from Nigel Pearson, who had Derby floating around in mid-table and failing to pick up wins.

This Derby side is packed with talented players and many rightly receive widespread praise on a regular basis.

These include the pacey and direct winger Tom Ince and creative midfielder Will Hughes.

However, there are a number of Derby first team members who are putting in fantastic shifts every week and not getting the same attention.

Here are 2 underrated Derby players.

Johnny Russell

There is a lot said about Tom Ince and Darren Bent, who are 2 key attacking threats for Derby.

But people less often mention the third man in their front 3; Johnny Russell.

The Scotsman works tirelessly going forward and he troubles defenders with his pace, energy, desire and also his ability on the ball - he is not someone to be underestimated.

Alex Pearce

I don't think people give Alex Pearce quite enough credit for how he has come back into this Derby team and really solidified the defence.

Derby were leaky with Jason Shackell partnering Richard Keogh.

But the Keogh-Pearce partnership is working really well and this forms the foundations for winning games.