Temptation to stick, not twist, when Rams travel to face U's

AS far as Derby County were concerned, the most disappointing aspect of this latest international break was undoubtedly its timing.

- By LEIGH CURTIS

After an excellent performance against Southampton almost a fortnight ago, along came another pause in the Championship season and an irritating wait to build on their best footballing display of the campaign.

Rams head coach, John Eustace, would have no doubt preferred another game in a bid to build some further momentum after being shown further evidence of this team's improving chemistry.

Still, at least the break has given him an opportunity to evaluate a trio of players as they inch closer to their return. Owen Beck, Sondre Langas and Corey Blackett-Taylor are all getting closer.

Should any of those three be deemed fit, however, it's hard to make a case for any of them to start today's game at Oxford United (12.30pm) when the Championship resumes duty.