Could Wigan Athletic loanee Jamie Hanson replace Julien De Sart at Derby County?

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The on-loan Middlesbrough midfielder was dropped by new Derby County manager Gary Rowett.

January signing Julien De Sart was probably hoping that Derby County would prove to be the kind of stable environment required to help him settle in English football. The 22-year-old, who barely featured after arriving at Middlesbrough from Standard Liege at the start of 2016, moved to the iPro on loan until the end of the season but, thus far, has failed to impress at the base of midfield.

In fact, take a few seconds scrolling through social media. You’ll quickly discover that De Sart is a far from popular figure among Derby supporters. His penchant for giving away possession or hopelessly misplacing simple passes spawned more than a few impassioned rants about the team selection of the recently departed Steve McClaren.

It’s telling that De Sart was dropped from the squad completely in the recent 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Gary Rowett’s first game at the helm.

Therefore, don’t expect Derby to attempt to retain the regista at beyond the end of the season.

However, De Sart’s struggles could well open up an opportunity for the man who made way for him in January.

Jamie Hanson joined Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic on loan for the remainder of the season after starting just twice for Derby in the first half of the campaign.

And while the 21-year-old is still a raw talent with more rough edges than a chainsaw, his all-action, industrious approach would at least offer something of an improvement on the anaemic, tackle-averse De Sart.

He made an impressive three tackles and eight interceptions as Wigan held Forest to a 0-0 draw recently and while the Latics have hardly looked like embarking on a Great Escape, Hanson has still stood out in the centre of midfield.

And Rowett, a manager who demands character and hard-work from each and every one of his players, could find a space for Hanson in his team next season. De Sart? He may be lucky to get his place back.