Derby County manager Nigel Clough says he is reluctant to sign players in January even though he knows he is not blessed with defensive options.

The in-form Rams have won three out of three in the Championship and four on the spin in all competitions.

And Clough told BBC Radio Derby having a settled rearguard during that run, coupled with financial considerations, makes it tricky to strengthen.

"It's difficult to get players when you can't promise a start," he said.

"Players see three clean sheets out of four and a settled back four and if you ask somebody, they say 'am I going to play?' and we can't guarantee that."

Experienced centre-backs Jason Shackell and Sean Barker have formed an impressive defensive pairing in recent weeks, with John Brayford and Gareth Roberts occupying the full-back positions.

But Marc O'Brien has been ruled out for the season, Miles Addison is on loan at Barnsley and Russell Anderson and Chris Riggott have both left the club.

And although Jake Buxton is another option at centre-back, Clough does not have strength in depth - particularly in the full-back area.

Brayford's versatility means he provides options across the backline and new arrival Tom Naylor can also operate in the centre and out wide, but further injuries could seriously hamper any possible promotion challenge.

But for the time being, the Clough is happy to stick with what he has.

"We don't want to tie up funds unnecessarily," the former Burton boss added. "If we lose a full-back we will react to it and try to get somebody in as cover."

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Hardy a dilemma is it? Seems like a sensible approach to me.

Its all ok until Roberts gets injured or we get 2 defensive injuries in one game. Thing is though Nige has made it clear that he'll bring someone, its just finding someone willing to sit on the bench and only get game time in the reserves. We not got a Left back coming through the academy? That would be perfect!

Is Chris Jones a left back?

Were work experience in today. Marc O'Brien, Sean Barker, The Clough. Sort it out BBC!

Jones is a left back, Naylor can play full back and centre half, green can play right back while he is still with us. Options to cover for injuries during a match I think

Its all ok until Roberts gets injured or we get 2 defensive injuries in one game. Thing is though Nige has made it clear that he'll bring someone, its just finding someone willing to sit on the bench and only get game time in the reserves. We not got a Left back coming through the academy? That would be perfect!

We haven't a decent flying left-back in the U18s in the academy called Sharpe. Can't remember his first name.

He's a little weak for first-team football yet though.

Brayford can play left back if need be. He did last season for a couple of games. That means Paul Green (if he is still here) or Tom Naylor can slot into right back.

Hopefully Roberts wont get injured as he is playing pretty well at the moment

just looked at dcfc site , it says jones and naylor are both right backs and centre half ??????

We haven't a decent flying left-back in the U18s in the academy called Sharpe. Can't remember his first name.

He's a little weak for first-team football yet though.

Lets hope Roberts lasts the season then. Just think its funny how we have so many young talents coming through but the one position we've been lacking is a left back. Ah well lets hope Sharpe gets a move on then.

Who would come on loan as a backup defender to the club to sit on the bench or not even make the squad. Not a decent one I suspect.

I would rather spend the money on a promosing youngster and see how they develop.

I think this is whats called managing the resources both financially and staff.

Think that's what we have done with Tom Naylor.

What happened to our interest in Daniel Lafferty, Derry's young left back who came for a trial and pulled a hamstring?