A season that has so far provided more downs than ups, leaves the opportunity for a Derby County player to step up and become a hero.   

So far Kenny Miller and perhaps Matt Oakley have attempted to fill the role as fans champion with some vital goals. There have been impressive defensive displays from Mears and Davis plus glimpses of class from Fagan and Pearson but to date not one player has stamped their authority on enough games to become the player for other clubs to beware of.

This week Billy recognized that Earnshaw could become such a player and there is nothing fans like better than a striker who turns a baron spell into a run of goals.Earnshaw & Miller are probably the two most likely players to be able to achieve the status of hero for the Rams as goals more often than not result in a players popularity soaring.

Barnes & Fagan are probably the next best placed to step up to the mark with their ability to turn a game with a few deft touches and a level of talent that if turned on could turn any defender inside out.  These four players potentially could elevate themselves to saviors of the club as they have the opportunity to help each other in the positions they play. If they can find a mutual working relationship that gels then the front half of the team could become a different prospect for opposition teams very quickly.

Rams fans deserve a hero and they deserve that at some point in this campaign the light of hope will start to shine brightly. A time when doubters and believers alike genuinely believe that perhaps Derby County Football club can do the impossible and retain their Premiership status.

To get that light shining then a group of players must step up to the next level and fulfill potential that Billy and his team recognized to sign them in the first place. If and when that happens it will be how long they can keep that light burning that will determine exactly what the team can achieve this campaign.

It is a time for heroes and for those not up for the fight to stand aside. Pride and courage can take you a very long way if you believe in yourself. History is littered with armies that won un-winnable battles and sporting teams who achieved against more favored opposition.

Derby County Football club have the opportunity to become one of those who are spoken about when adversity is mentioned should they turn this season into something special. Some people believe true heroes exist only in comics and movies but I believe last season we saw a squad of heroes who did what seemed impossible. Perhaps if once again Billy can make them believe in their powers then we will see them overcome adversity. 

We dream of heroes... but heroes do not dream.

Heroes succeed so we all can dream.

Photo: Action Images

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