WASTEFUL DERBY STILL SHOW PROMISE

NEWCASTLE weren’t outstanding but took their chances to win at a ground where most teams will be lucky to come away with a point.

Derby made a disappointing start and Jonjo Shelvey ran the show once again. Keeping him fit will be crucial if Newcastle are to return to the top flight at the first attempt.

Derby may be residing in the bottom six but if they can turn their dominance into goals they will be contending for the top six at the very least this year.

The Rams may have lost Jeff Hendrick and Chris Martin during the summer but the fact that they could leave Tom Ince, Darren Bent, Bradley Johnson, Jacob Butterfield and Nick Blackman on the bench shows how much strength in depth they have. Ikechi Anya looks to be a fantastic acquisition, and while James Wilson and Matej Vydra may not have been at their best against Newcastle they are sure to come good before too long.