Rams in need of an away win

Well, it felt like we stepped back into covid times this afternoon as Derby County held their pre-match press conference virtually due to a widespread illness inside the walls at Moor Farm.

Head coach Paul Warne and his staff have all come down with issues and a number of first-team players have struggled as well this week as they prepare to go to League One Leyton Orient in the FA Cup third round tomorrow.

Warne admitted the precaution wasn't as dramatic as seemed but he soon settled into life behind the laptop as we discussed how this has impacted his squad selection.

He revealed five academy players will get the opportunity to travel with the first team squad and be a part of the team for tomorrow, but he wouldn't be drawn on who those selected are.

The Rams go to the O's in need of an away win, just one all season in the Championship has added to the pressure for this trip - a sold-out away end hoping to progress into the fourth round with the chance of a trip to one of the big-hitters is still a possibility.

A press conference in January usually comes with the caveat of a flurry of transfer questions, naturally so, and as those around Derby break club record fees, make additions and look at possibilities going forward.

It has been a fairly quiet first 10 days and Warne remains adamant their business will be done later.

A number nine is still the player that dominates the conversation but also an attacking midfielder.

Reports suggested Derby County are interested in Aston Villa's Louie Barry on loan after a strong start to the season in League One with Stockport County, but you can add Derby's name to a whole cluster of clubs in the second tier looking at him as an option.

Warne didn't comment on him as a player, but reiterated that their name will always be linked with players of that calibre, suggesting that "people put one on one together" and agents often have a say in these reports coming out.