DC Mad's player of the season-Ins outs and that nervous feeling

Well it's that time again when we give out the pats on the back to our favourite players of a season that is very much not at an end. Place your vote on the Derby County Mad Player of the season on our home page.

Steve Howard out for two games

The Out's… Maybe the biggest loss to the Rams in the next few weeks will be striker Steve Howard. His presence at the heart of the Rams attack this season has been well worth the £1million paid for his services, but who will replace him during his enforced rest over the next two matches?

Derby should have strength in depth and we sometimes forget that we have other striking options at the club. Paul Peschisolido, Arturo Lupoli, Giles Barnes, Craig Fagan, would get a game in most Championship sides and are capable of scoring the goals the Rams need against Barnsley and Leicester City. It may however be Jon Macken who is asked to bridge the gap left by Howard but with only two games started, and ominously games that we lost, he must find instant form to keep the Rams rolling along.

Jon Macken looks to be favourite to take over from Steve Howard

Macken (29) is however no stranger to the high pressure promotion games having gained promotion with Preston and Manchester City during his career. He was also in the Championship play-offs with Crystal Palace just 10 months ago.

The in's… Rams manager Billy Davies is said to be looking to bring in cover in the centre of defence and will almost certainly be looking at a loan deal before this Thursday's 5.00pm loan transfer deadline. No names have been mentioned but if unsuccessful the Rams do have players capable of taking up central defensive positions. Tyrone Mears being one of those who have played in the position.

Enjoy the International break because it will soon be time to get back to the emotional roller coaster of a ride that Derby County have given us this season. Nerves of steel will be the order of the day for player and fan alike. No doubt a promotion and relegation battle Royal will take place at Pride Park on Sunday 6^th May as the Rams final game of the season sees them take on Leeds United a team on the edge of relegation.