Craig Bryson has hit form recently, a good time to do so. His season hasn’t quite been so straightforward after picking up a serious injury back in August and watching from the sidelines as serious money was invested in his central midfield position.

The impact of that injury wasn’t just the time spent on the sidelines for the Rams midfielder, obviously the team has missed him but the impact extends to the fact that Derby made two big money signings in central midfield as the summer transfer window drew to a close last season.

Would one or both of Butterfield and Johnson been signed had Bryson been playing or nearer to playing?

Despite that, the Scotsman has returned to the side, earned his place in what has been nearing a more consistent starting eleven and hit some form just at the right time.

That form has served the Rams a reminder of what they’ve been missing for a large part of this season on top of Will Hughes who is another player who has been sorely missed but recently returned.

All teams have injuries and will have seasons that hold good and bad luck on the injury front especially in a league as physical and demanding as The Championship.

It’s brilliant to have Bryson back and firing. Look at the ground he covers, the storming into the box, the link-up play with Martin and the quiet, blue collar work keeping things ticking over.

One aspect of his game that has been missed is his ability to create and score goals. So far he has 35 goals (with 16 being in the 2013/14 season) is his overall total Rams tally in almost 5 seasons.

Since returning this season he has bagged three goals, with the one at Fulham being my favourite, not just because of the superb finish but also the link-up with Martin.

His energy levels are stunning. Imagine being on the other side competing in midfield with him constantly breathing down your neck. It’s not just the energy, it’s the desire he has on the pitch that makes him such a powerhouse in the Rams midfield.

To use a phrase more associated with the chaos and madness of Nottingham Forest over the past few years, Bryson maybe has “unfinished business” when it comes to the Rams and the play-offs. In 2014, despite being the fans’ player of the season, an award won for the second time in three seasons, he missed out on a place in the starting eleven at Wembley.

Steve McClaren had a tough choice to make after the manner in which his side thumped Brighton 4-1 in the play-off semi-final second leg. So the Scottish midfield engine maybe will have a point to make in the play-offs.

Another point to make about Bryson, a point more about off the field stuff, he always talks brilliantly in his interviews and thus commands the respect of all fans. He is very sincere in his comments and you only have to look back at his honesty and consideration when he decided to stay in Derby and sign a new contract in 2014, despite interest from Burnley who had just been promoted.

Looking back even further, the fee he signed for in 2011 is believed to be around £450,000 including add-ons. What a bargain when you consider the money spent on players this season.

Derby clearly has been lucky to have a great find of a player on their hands, a midfielder who will have a lot to contribute as the play-offs loom. If the Rams can keep him fit and he’s a huge asset.

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.

Photo: Action Images

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