In recent years, under the stewardship of Nigel Clough, the Rams haven’t been blessed with many options for the starting eleven. However, this season it appears to be a different story.

The side selection has probably required very little thought for Clough over the past few seasons, that’s why this season’s squad depth is so very pleasing to see.

You can never have enough options in the Championship, the toughness of the league shouldn’t be underestimated. In addition to that, and with competition for various places on the pitch rife, players should surely be at their best to keep hold of their place in the side.

From last week’s draw with Blackburn, six changes were made for the League Cup victory at Oldham. Then five changes to the victorious Cup starting eleven were made for the win at Brighton.

Some fans would argue that the side are a bit light at the back in terms of experience as Shaun Barker remains out. It appears that the club will only dip into the loan market for a new centre-back if either of Richard Keogh or Jake Buxton are struck by injury.

It’s a fair point that Derby are a tad light on for players with large amounts of Championship experience, particularly if called on to provide cover. Although I am focussing on the overall picture — there is no doubt there is an array of options in the side - something we have not been able to say for a while.

Even Jamie Ward was left out at the AMEX on Saturday, possibly due to tactical reasons but would that have happened to a fit Ward a year ago? I think not.

The squad has gradually been assembled and contains players that Clough has hand-picked himself rather than poor, inherited players or those that his meager budget could stretch to.

Lee Grant is clearly a shrewd bit of business to be snapped up on a free. The defence in front of him have made a steady start to the season while a battle between Kieron Freeman and Spurs loan star Adam Smith could be brewing for the right-back spot. The ex-Forest man’s assist for Martin’s second goal yesterday will surely only help him retain his place.

In midfield, well, how just do you combine Craig Bryson, Will Hughes, Jeff Hendrick and Paul Coutts into the same eleven? A tough task but managed effectively yesterday. Furthermore, John Eustace is an option — as are Michael Jacobs and Ben Davies as wide men in midfield.

Up top, Chris Martin is proving to be a hit. Fellow new signing Johnny Russell appears to be a lively new thorn for defenders in the Championship to contend with. Behind them are Conor Sammon after being a regular last season, Jamie Ward, Michael Jacobs and Mason Bennett, who can all also play in the midfield if required.

It’s easy to point out that, of course, Derby did have back-up last season and before, less of it however, but this season there is more quality on the bench to bring on. 21-year-old Michael Jacobs and his fellow youngsters are only maturing and gathering more experience, which is vitally beneficial for the long term.

So overall the striking department was bolstered well this summer with Martin and Russell, better options than previously available and you won’t find many better midfield combinations than the Rams’. Despite maybe being a centre-back short, Derby’s squad is quite well-equipped to face and hopefully excel the ever-brutal league that is the Championship.

There still may be frustration that money from the sale of John Brayford hasn’t been reinvested. There’s still January, a month that has rarely seen much ins in recent times for Derby but maybe this time it will be different?

In reality, things do look good within the current crop of players and it’s tough to complain about, particularly after the amazing start to life on the road this season.

For more of Nathan's articles visit his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him @NathansRamsBlog on Twitter.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls