JOHNNY Russell has added to an ever-growing list of Derby County players on international duty these days.
He has been called into the Scotland squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Republic of Ireland and the "friendly" against England.
Russell's call-up is fully deserved and coincides with his best form in a Derby shirt since his move from Dundee United 16 months ago.
This was highlighted by his two-goal performance in Saturday's 5-0 defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers for which he received a standing ovation when substituted late on.
He is enjoying his football and Derby supporters are enjoying his performances.
Russell felt this season was a big one for him following a stop-start first year at Derby in which he was twice sidelined by injury.
He had made a bright start to the campaign by scoring five goals in 11 games only to suffer a broken leg against Leeds United in October 2013 in what was officially head coach Steve McClaren's first game in charge after the dismissal of Nigel Clough, the manager who brought Russell from Scotland.
The Scot battled back and was pressing his claim to regain a regular starting role when he fractured a cheekbone playing against Wigan Athletic on New Year's Day.
He found himself back on the bench when he returned but a run of four goals in eight matches towards the end of last season kept him in the side for both legs of the play-off semi-final against Brighton and the Wembley date with Queens Park Rangers.
I recall interviewing Russell during Derby's pre-season tour of Austria ahead of this season.
We sat at the side of the training pitch in Stegersbach and Russell told me of the importance he placed on the coming season.
"I came to Derby and I wanted to score goals and be a part of getting promoted but injuries made last season a stop-start one for me," he said.
"I didn't play as much as I would have liked, the boys did brilliant in front of me and I couldn't get back in the side. Now it is up to me to work as hard as I can every day and try to get better."
He is fulfilling his aim.
Derby top the Championship, he is in the team, playing well and scoring goals and now Scotland have called – Russell's "big" season cannot have gone much better, so far.
His tireless work is what catches the eye.
He is an unselfish player, a grafter for the team. He plays with terrific energy in one of the two wide roles so important to Derby's style.
Injuries to Jamie Ward and Simon Dawkins opened the door for Russell and he has grabbed his opportunity.
He has scored four goals in a run of six consecutive starts and tops the Rams' assist list on seven ahead of Cyrus Christie, who has four.
Watching Russell at times last season and earlier this season, you felt his desperation to do well in order to maintain a place in the side.
Now, he is looking more relaxed, more confident, more at home and it is showing in his form.
At 24, there is plenty of time for further improvement and you sense there is more to come from him, which is good news for Derby.
International call-ups are a clear indication of the progress made by Derby.
Russell joins team-mates Chris Martin and Craig Forsyth in the Scotland squad, having taken the place of the injured Craig Bryson.
Richard Keogh, Jeff Hendrick and Christie are in the Republic of Ireland squad, while Will Hughes and Jack Butland will be with England Under-21s during the break and Simon Dawkins the Jamaican squad.
It means nine of the 11 that started for Derby against Wolves on Saturday are away on international duty.
TWO goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend saw Jeff Hendrick match his goals tally of last season and we are only a third of the way through this season.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder hit five last season in 35 appearances.
His five goals this season have come in 16 games, having also scored in the home League victory over Rotherham United and in the Capital One Cup ties at Carlisle United and Fulham.
Hendrick is on course for his best return of goals in a campaign. He scored seven in 2012-13.
Hendrick's finishing caught the eye as I sat and watched Derby train at the Golfhak Stadium, Stegersbach, during the pre-season tour of Austria.
His two goals against Wolves were very well taken.
MANY, including myself, believe Derby County's thumping victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers was a significant statement and a pointer as to how the season is likely to unfold for the Rams.
Derby showed by thrashing Wolves 5-0 that they have what it takes to finish in the top six again this season, and very possibly the top two.
The bookmakers have them as favourites to not only win promotion but also the title.
There is a long way to go, of course, and much can happen in the next six months or so, as head coach Steve McClaren and first-team coach Paul Simpson stress each week.
But statistics are building a very strong case for this being Derby's season.
They have 32 points after 17 games, their best return at this stage of a season since three points for a win was introduced in 1981.
Derby are four points ahead of their tally at this stage last season.
Twice in consecutive seasons in the Eighties, 1985-86 and 1986-87, the Rams collected 30 points for their first 17 matches.
They won promotion from the old Third Division in the first of those seasons and then the Second Division title 12 months later.
It was in the 17th game of last season that Derby issued a strong statement to the rest of the Championship and laid down a marker.
They travelled to the DW Stadium and outclassed Wigan Athletic in the opening half-hour to win 3-1.
The goals came from Craig Bryson, Simon Dawkins and Chris Martin, a penalty.
They had to weather an expected backlash from the home side in the second half, during which Lee Grant made two or three fine saves, but the win lifted Derby to fifth and showed they had what it takes to be a top-six team.
Despite attempts week in, week out from within the Rams' camp to play down their chances, they remained in the top six for the rest of the season.
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