Without loan signing Tom Ince, Derby County wouldn't even be in with a chance of a play-off spot.

Ince has been in excellent form for the Rams

Their fall from top spot has shocked many onlookers, but for Rams fans, a collection of player mistakes, managerial mistakes and a crippling injury list has hampered the second part of their season.

Despite being frustrating at times, Tom Ince has been the shining light in the black and white shirt scoring 11 goals in 17 appearances - a total a Championship striker would salivate over.

The consensus amongst everyone at the club is that Ince is a player that belongs at Derby. His set-piece prowess and eye for a long range goal has been something fans have wanted to see in the team for years. But will Derby be able to keep him?

Hull manager Steve Bruce said to the press recently that on-loan Tom Ince would definitely go back to the KC Stadium after finding form in the Championship. And with the Rams' push for promotion seemingly taking a downward course, it is possible that Derby will lose one of this season's most exciting players.

But will they?

Ince to stay at Derby

Regardless of what division Derby are in next season, I believe Tom Ince is here to stay - whether this is a loan or permanent arrangement.

Happy at Derby

As well as being out of favour and disgruntled with Hull for not giving him a chance to play in the Premier League, Tom has built up a good relationship with the Rams and he will benefit from being at a club who wants him.

The fans at the iPro Stadium take to players that excite and Tom has been getting them off their seat recently, particularly away from home.

Style of football

Derby's style of football suits Ince down to the ground too. Their attacking flair with two wingers that cut inside and shoot or create chances is perfect for how he plays football.

At Hull, its fair to say he can be expected to put in a bigger defensive shift than at Derby and be more regimented in his play - will Tom want to go back and play this way and fight for Premier League survival again next year with the Tigers?

Savvy under Sam

Speculation mounts over whether Steve McClaren will still be Derby's head coach come the beginning of next season, but under the guidance of Chief Exec and President Sam Rush, the Rams will still push on regardless of whether they're in the Championship or Premier League.

Rush has shrewdly built a team around him that get the best talent available to the football club. He's secured deals that the club has never done in its history - getting players such as Omar Mascarell from Real Madrid.

If Derby decide to bid for Tom Ince, you can guarantee that Sam Rush will try his best to get a great deal done both for the club and the player.