After a 1-0 win over East Midlands rivals Derby County, just their fourth win of the season, Nottingham Forest will need to use the derby-day win as a platform to spring up the Sky Bet Championship table.

Under a transfer embargo and forced to shop for free signings and loan recruits, this season was always going to be hard for Dougie Freedman in the City Ground hot seat, with his hands somewhat tied.

It has been vital that some of last season's performers have upped their game and stamped their authority on the Forest first-team in the club's time of need.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Lee Clarke takes a look at five players who are the most improved from the 2014/15 campaign.

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS!

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Eric Lichaj

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Former Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj was one of the standout performers of the second half of last season, yet during this campaign he is playing even better.

The American right-back found himself on the fringes in the early days of Stuart Pearce's reign as manager, but following Jack Hunt's loan spell which ended last January, he has really kicked on and established himself in the side.

One of the most passionate players in a red shirt at present, Lichaj is really becoming one of Forest's most important players.

Michael Mancienne

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The Reds have missed the presence of the former Chelsea defender in front of the back four during recent weeks, in a role which he was just starting to look comfortable in.

Largely used as a central defender last season, Mancienne looked a really shrewed acquisition for the Reds following his move from Hamburg with a series of impressive performances.

Current boss Freedman had chosen to use him in a more unnatural defensive midfield role, and the 27-year-old was beginning to get into his stride when injury curtailed his progress.

Jorge Grant

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Youngster Jorge Grant is the latest to come through the youth ranks and play first-team football at the City Ground.

The 21-year-old made his first league start against Preston North End at the start of the month, and is expected to be in and around the first-team this season.

It is always great to see a player rise from the academy to play first-team football, and Grant's performances are of a player who is really keen to forge a career out of playing for Nottingham Forest.

He offers energy and technical qualities in the middle of the park, and is definitely one for the Reds faithful to watch out for in the future.

David Vaughan

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The Welsh magician has been by far the best player at the City Ground this season so far, with a string of eye-catching performances.

Vaughan looks set to be included in the Wales squad to travel to France next summer and on current performances, he might even get in the team.

Against the Rams last week, Vaughan made one less tackle in the first half than the whole Derby team put together, and was quite rightly named as the Man of the Match - not for the first time this season.

Dorus de Vries

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Forest's large Dutchman has been in really good form so far this season after losing his place in the side for the second half of last season, shortly after the arrival of Freedman.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has produced several point-saving displays in between the posts, and has now firmly established himself as the Reds' primary custodian.

He has largely been used as back-up during the last couple of years but his professionalism has shone through, and he thoroughly deserves his chance as the number one.

Forest fans... do you agree? Are these five your most improved players? Or are there others that deserve a mention? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!