Derby County are enjoying a new lease of life under Steve McClaren.

After the summer appointment of highly-rated manager Nigel Pearson, Derby fans expected another season of promotion challenging football but his disastrous spell was marred by poor performances on the pitch and an alleged bust-up with the powers that be off the field.

Steve McClaren returned to the helm at the iPro Stadium and has revolutionised this stuttering Derby side.

Everyone knew they had the talent there still but McClaren has harnessed their potential and now the Rams finally look set to climb up the table and mount a belated surge for the play-off spots.

Part of Steve McClaren's success is that he gets the best out of some players.

Tom Ince, Darren Bent, Scott Carson and Bradley Johnson are just four examples that look completely different players under McClaren's guidance.

These preferred individuals leaves some players on the periphery though and here are two such players who should ask McClaren for a loan move in January.

Jonathan Mitchell

Jonathan Mitchell

Young goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell is one for the future and Derby's faith in him was shown when he played against Liverpool in the EFL Cup.

The England under-21 international would be better off playing regular games in the lower leagues rather than sitting on the bench, though, and gain experience like fellow Derby 'keeper Kelle Roos is doing.

Chris Weale can sit on the bench while 22-year-old Mitchell gains more experience, like he did at Luton previously.

Farrend Rawson

Farrend RawsonFarrend RawsonFarrend Rawson

Farrend Rawson has never played a league game for Derby but he has had two successful loan spells with Rotherham United previously.

The towering 6'4'' centre half is a composed and quality defender with a bright future but he'd rather be playing senior football than academy football with Derby under-23s.

I'm sure Rotherham would welcome the 20-year-old back in a heartbeat and this would be a perfect place for him to continue his development.

 

Derby fans - would you allow these 2 out on loan? Let us know in the comments below...