As we head into the third international break of the season, we can now get a clearer idea of what teams are aiming for this campaign.

Whether that be striving to stay in the division or challenging for promotion, there's still plenty of time left for things to change.

Derby County look like they may be having a mediocre season after their dreadful start.

Since the arrival of Steve McClaren, the Rams have picked up their form which means they seem to be heading up the table progressively, but like I said it only needs a couple of bad results and you're back down fighting at the bottom.

Derby do have some excellent players in their squad, which makes me think the club won't get into that struggle.

In my opinion, some personnel could probably be doing better than County and deserve to be plying their trade in the top flight.

Here are Ryan White's TWO Derby stars who really ought to be playing in the Premier League.

Will Hughes

The 21-year-old has been a regular at Derby County since graduating from the club's academy at the age of 17, making his debut in 2011 as a last minute substitute.

He was thought to be very good - Hughes was attracting interest from Manchester City and Manchester United - so he must have had something in his locker.

That proved to be true as Hughes has gone on to make just under 200 appearances for the Rams at such a young age, and I personally believe the midfielder has been one of the best performers at the iPro Stadium in a dismal start to the season.

I'm surprised he still plays in the Championship to be honest.

Will Hughes has clear potential and needs to get the form back, along with his team-mates, that saw him being interested by the 'big' dogs in the Premier League and may very well get a move he needs in January with clubs such as West Ham United, Stoke City or even Sunderland suiting the England under-21 international.

Tom Ince

After being on the youth books at Liverpool, it was at Blackpool where Tom Ince caught the eye.

He played a part in over 100 games for the Tangerines in three years, which also included a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

The winger has struggled to fulfil his tremendous potential, and the heights of his father, Paul Ince, who was a Manchester United legend.

Since his Blackpool days, the 24-year-old has spent time at Hull City and Nottingham Forest before making the switch to Derby County last year.

The moving around probably hasn't helped Ince in his footballing career so far but for his effort this season I am surprised he's not getting more interest from the Premier League.

The versatile forward, who can play as an attacking midfielder or striker, has bags of pace to offer and along with Will Hughes, is one of Derby's better players.

If I was Steve McClaren, I would get Tom Ince tied up to a new deal as soon as possible because he really ought to be playing in the top flight.

 

Derby fans - do you agree with these two suggestions? Can you keep Hughes and Ince in January? Let us know in the comments below...