Derby County end of season awards predictions

Derby County's form has drastically improved over recent weeks and they now find themselves in the thick of the promotion race.

The Rams sit in fifth place after 19 games and have won their last five league games making them the most in form team in League One.

Paul Warne will be delighted that his players have stepped up recently and wil lbe hoping that they can continue this form for the rest of the season.

As we've almost reached the halfway point in the season, here are some early predictions for Derby County's end of season awards.

Top goalscorer: James Collins

In recent weeks, Collins has had some competition for this award with the likes of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing coming into good goalscoring form. He also has competition for his place as Tyreece John-Jules has look excellent since returning from his injury.

However, Collins currently has seven league goals, the most of any Derby player and has racked up an impressive five goals in four games in the EFL Trophy.

He is still the Rams most consistent goalscorer, but he will have to fight for it.

Young player of the season: Eiran Cashin

It feels unusual to be calling Eiran Cashin a young player because of his maturity and the fact that he's been one of the Rams' best players over the past three seasons.

The 22 year-old has yet again played incredibly well this season and finds himself in hot demand over January with a reported six clubs interested in signing the Irish defender.

Cashin would only win this award should he still be at Pride Park come the end of the season, but if he does stay with the Rams, the young player of the year seems like a nailed on certainty.

Biggest breakout player: Korey Smith

Korey Smith has shown signs of improvement this year compared to last season. The 32 year-old disappointed last season and struggled to find a consistent place in the starting XI.

However, this year he has looked a lot more solid and Paul Warne has been rewarding him with a place in the Rams midfield. A much improved season for the former Bristol City man.

Signing of the season: Curtis Nelson

A tricky award to give with a number of names in contention. Kane Wilson deserves an honorable mention here, but Curtis Nelson has just had the edge.

The defender has looked so comfortable in black and white as if he has been at Pride Park for a number of years. Nelson has earnt a spot in the starting XI each and every week and with a chance of Eiran Cashin's departure in January, his role could become even more crucial for the Rams' promotion hopes.

Player of the season: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has arguably been one of the best players in League One over the past couple of months. The Guatemalan international has been dictating the Rams' attack and is one of the big reasons why Paul Warne's side have been picking up so many good results lately.

The form of Mendez-Laing is able to dictate the form of the whole side and come the end of the season, we could be talking about a possible League One player of the season here.