Thompson and Agyemang show their worth

After a tough defeat at home to Leicester City, in a game which saw Derby fall way below the high standards set for themselves, and another lacklustre contest against Millwall despite picking up a point, the Rams travelled to Hillsborough and got back to much-needed winning ways on Monday night.

One notable figure in all of the previous three fixtures, has been Liam Thompson. His introduction into the midfield, despite not previously having a consistent run of games so far this season, brought an extra gear of intensity that the Rams had previously been lacking.

At Hillsborough, Thommo was rewarded for his patience and started back-to-back games for the first time since August, by getting on the scoresheet, a goal which he took in a composed and technically impressive manner.

The depth in Derby's midfield when every player is fit is probably one of the best in the whole division.

Lewis Travis, Ebou Adams, David Ozoh, Bobby Clark, and Thompson, have all shown at different times this season that they're capable of playing in that central role.

When the likes of Travis and Ozoh return to fitness, you can imagine John Eustace will have a big headache in terms of who he chooses to pair in midfield.

Personally, I love the all-round style of Liam Thompson. He's happy to be a ball carrier and bring Derby onto the front foot, whilst also being comfortable to sit in, maintain possession and dictate play when needed.

The grit and fight he shows, sticking a boot in, never shying away from being on the receiving end of a tackle himself, and always giving 100%, no matter the circumstances, are qualities that make him unique.

You can tell he loves Derby, loves playing for the Rams, and is willing to leave everything out there for the team in every game he features in, I think that's special to have in a player.

The Rams also got to see the best of Patrick Agyemang on Monday night.

After losing top scorer Carlton Morris to injury, Agyemang has stepped up to prove he's willing and capable of filling his boots until he can return.

The two goals showed different qualities that he possesses. The first was a clinical, technical, and confident finish into the bottom right hand corner. The second was a composed, instinctive and intelligent strike from close range.

This was without a doubt the best game we've seen Agyemang have in a Derby shirt, and I'm intrigued to see how he uses that confidence and momentum going into today's game against Portsmouth, and also into the festive period.

Whilst I believe he's still raw, getting to grips with Championship football, and definitely not the finished article just yet, I do think we're seeing an improvement week in week out, and why Derby were so eager to bring him in for a fairly hefty fee.

I'd love to see him back playing with Morris again soon. If we're looking to challenge the top half, I think having both of them firing will be key to that happening.

Derby's last three games perhaps show the inconsistency in results that reflect being a mid-table side, but the bounce-back ability shown by the Rams multiple times this season has been impressive. It is a quality that definitely shows ambitions in the dressing room are set high.

I like the fact that when Derby have a bad game at the moment, I always feel as though we will turn it around and improve in the next one.

The reassurance that squad morale and togetherness is high was shown once again in Monday's post-match celebrations, and the general feeling around the club seems positive, which is refreshing to see.

Portsmouth is a winnable game for Derby, who should be looking to capitalise on Pompey's poor away form.

John Mousinho's side have only won one game on the road all season, and currently sit at the bottom of the away form table.

I think it's important for Derby to pick up three points on Saturday.

Being able to go into a tricky festive run of fixtures with back to back wins, and being unbeaten in three matches would provide some much-needed consistency, as well as maintaining confidence levels, after an up and down run of recent results.

You can often catch Amelia Warren, external as a guest on BBC Radio Derby.