Duane Holmes is enjoying his best run of form in a Derby County shirt.

The 25-year-old has started 20 of the last 22 league games including the last 16.

He thumped home a volley late on to earn Derby a point in the last away game at Middlesbrough and was a strong contender for man-of-the-match recognition in Saturday's home victory over Hull City.

Phillip Cocu has spoken about Holmes' importance to the team and is pleased with the player's progress.

"He has grown a lot as a player," said the manager. "Duane was injured when we started, he missed an important part at the start of the season and that makes it more difficult if a new manager steps in.

"I didn't know him that well, but I look at his development and I am very positive about him. Not only his personal performance, but also his tactical development and what we ask of him in different positions, because he has played in several positions.

"He does a great job. I am pleased with his performances."

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Holmes was troubled by a thigh problem late last season and aggravated it while on international duty with the United States in June. The injury forced him to withdraw from the Gold Cup squad.

Missing pre-season, especially when a new manager has arrived, can put players on the back foot and Holmes did not feature in the opening six fixtures of the campaign and played catch up with his fitness.

His first start under Cocu came in the defeat by Nottingham Forest in a Carabao Cup tie at the City Ground in August, when he played right back but he has worked his way back.

(Image: Andy Clarke )

Given the timing of his injury and the fact that he missed the pre-season matches meant it was always likely Holmes would need time to get up to speed.

He struggled at times, along with the rest of the team, and his end product - the final pass, assist etc - was questioned, but he is up to speed now.

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His energy, purpose and determination alongside that of young Jason Knight have helped to up the tempo in midfield, and Derby are a different proposition when that happens.

Graeme Shinnie will add another option in the department once he is available again after a hamstring injury. Shinnie displayed this in his run of seven games before he suffered the injury.

Holmes' performances have gone up another level of late although he will know he needs to add more goals to his game.

A few more like the one at Middlesbrough would do very nicely!