Despite a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Reading heading into the international break, Derby County are in a positive place in the Sky Bet Championship, with an exceptional October putting Gary Rowett’s side right in the mix for the top-six.

Derby endured a testing start to the season, but a seven game unbeaten run between September 23^rd and October 31^st catapulted the Rams into the top-six, and when the Championship returns next weekend, Rowett’s side will be looking to break back into the play-off zone.

The Rams’ magnificent run has coincided with the arrival of Joe Ledley, who arrived at the Pride Park Stadium as a free agent, agreeing a short-term contract with Derby.

Ledley, 30, is contracted until the end of the calendar year, although reports have confirmed the Rams have opened talks with the midfielder about extending his stay.

Securing Ledley’s future, particularly for the second-half of the season, could prove to be the signing that puts Derby right in contention for promotion this season, such has been the Welshman’s impact since his arrival.

Derby are yet to taste defeat when Ledley has been involved, and his absence in the Ram’s recent defeat to Reading left a gaping hole in midfield, with the presence of the 30-year-old sorely missed.

Derby will be confident of securing Ledley’s future, at least until the end of the season, and an announcement on his future can’t come soon enough, as there continues to be the threat that the midfielder might not be around in 2018.

Securing Ledley’s service proved to be the catalyst for Derby’s surge towards the top-six, and once again securing that service longer term could help the Rams push on and challenge for a Premier League return.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!