'Green shoots' - winless Rams showing positive signs

Despite picking up their first points of the season, John Eustace's Derby County head into the international break winless in their first four league matches.

Two draws and two losses leave the Rams 21st in the Championship table, with the difficulty in their start to the new campaign epitomised by playing three teams who currently sit within the top six, and one side fresh from Premier League relegation.

Taking that into account, having two points on the board at this stage, despite it not being what many fans would have desired, doesn't seem to be a cause for too much concern.

One thing Derby have shown, particularly over the last two games, is an improvement in their overall performance - the players are clearly starting to gel with one another, becoming fitter and putting into practice Eustace's desired patterns of play.

These green shoots have allowed fans to remain relatively optimistic and excited to see how their team will perform following the international break.

Positivity among fans hasn't just come from glimpses of magic on the pitch, Derby's successful summer transfer window has also lifted spirits.

Described as "one of the best summer windows in years" for the Rams, 13 new signings have made their way through the Moor Farm door, and are gradually making their mark on the pitch.

Rhian Brewster shone brightest at Portman Road in the last game before the international break, getting on the scoresheet for the first time in black and white, with his direct and skilful attacking approach.

Solid and composed debuts were also made by Lewis Travis in midfield, and Max Johnston at right-back.

Bobby Clark took his first goal for the club exquisitely as the Rams proudly bowed out of the Carabao Cup last week, and Carlton Morris has continued his fine goalscoring form since joining the Rams, now striking four goals in four matches.

This along with the news that club record signing of the David Clowes era, Patrick Agyemang, is back in training and expected to be involved in the matchday squad over the next couple of weeks and it becomes a promising outlook for the Rams.

And not forgetting the arrival of the vastly-experienced Ben Brereton Diaz you can understand why there is so much excitement and enthusiasm around Pride Park at the moment.

For the hindsight lovers out there, had all of Derby's matches finished on 90 minutes so far this season, the Rams would be three more points to the good.

Derby are so nearly at the level we all want them to be.

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