Derby County transfer decision may follow Chesterfield EFL Cup clash: View | OneFootball

Dajaune Brown spent the latter half of last season on loan at Gateshead, but spent the whole of pre-season with the Rams.

Paul Warne has a key decision to make this month regarding one of his youngest and brightest sparks, with Tuesday evening's EFL Cup clash with Chesterfield the perfect audition for the striker to prove his talent.

Dajaune Brown, 19, has become a fan's favourite in his fledgling career, despite playing just twice in the league for Derby County so far in cameo roles.

However, after becoming a dominant force for the Rams' U21s side last season, scoring six goals in just nine appearances, it has come as no surprise that Brown has already made the bench for Warne in the first Championship game of the 2024/25 campaign.

The striker, who was born in Nottingham but represents Jamaica internationally, is currently waiting to see what happens in his short-term future, with supporters unsure whether he will stay with the first-team or be loaned out to a club lower down the pyramid.

As Derby set up ready for an all-Derbyshire clash in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, Brown may get the opportunity to show his worth in front of League Two opposition.

A loan may suit Brown if first-team appearances are limited

The 19-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan at National League side Gateshead, and although he started slowly, Brown eventually scored six league goals in 18 matches.

But, it was in the FA Trophy where he proved to be the most deadly, scoring a hat-trick against Peterborough Sports in just 22 minutes to send Gateshead through to the semi-final of the competition in a 3-2 win.

He also scored the winning penalty in the final at Wembley against Solihull Moors, winning the FA Trophy for the first time in the Tynesiders' history.

Brown has proven that the National League is perhaps a level below his current ability, and if he is sent back out on loan, it will have to be to a club in the EFL.

It may also be the correct decision to send Brown away from Pride Park, at least until January, to give him more time to develop in an environment with less pressure and where he is more likely to play consistent minutes.

Derby currently have four other senior strikers, and their experience will be of more importance to Warne in the coming months, and Brown may find himself isolated away from the first-team if they do perform.

New Derby signings could also prove problematic

Over the weekend, the Rams were linked with a move for Luton Town's Cauley Woodrow, 29, as per Alan Nixon via Patreon.

With more additions potentially still a factor, outgoings do seem likely in the remaining two weeks of the transfer window.

Conor Washington has become an outcast after struggling in his first season with the club, and looks the most likely of Derby's strikers to miss out on the action in 2024/25, particularly if Woodrow does join.

The 29-year-old has found the back of the net 46 times in 213 games in his Championship career so far, and although it is not the most inspiring of records, his experience in the division could be crucial, particularly if the Rams struggle to perform throughout the opening weeks.

Brown may be able to use any potential time on loan to adapt his game and become the striker that Warne needs for the coming years, without having to spend a penny.

Before that, though, a chance may well loom in the EFL Cup for the young striker. Impress against Chesterfield, and he may give Derby something to think about regarding his short-term future. You've got to think, though, that however that game pans out, a loan could well follow to give Brown the exposure he needs at such a young age.