Centre Half has been somewhat a problem position for the Rams over the past few seasons.
Derby certainlyhave had their share of quality players over the years playing in the centre of defence. Colin Todd, Roy McFarland, Mark Wright, Igor Stimac, Michael Johnson are but a few of the names wearing the white shirt in that position.
Recently it has been difficult to play a pair of players in the position to great effect.
Prior to the 2011/12 kick off, the club appeared to be well equipped though. Shaun Barker, Jake Buxton, Russell Anderson were all retained from last season and Jason Shackell and Chris Riggott were added to the squad.
Barker did as expected miss the opening games, Buxton was side sidelined from an injury from last season so Russell Anderson appeared alongside Shackell for the opening fixture.
Last season Anderson lasted exactly 45 minutes in the opener at Leeds before a visit to the treatment table was needed. In this seasons curtain raiser at home to Birmingham he didn't even make it to half time.
Eighteen year old Mark O'Brien was thrust into action and apart from a few nervy moments as he felt his way into the game, he soon sttled and resembled a player that had beenn playing first team football for years.
O'Brien has since held the position and will be expected to remain in the starting line-up at least until Shaun Barker has made his return.
It is something of a fairytale story for O'Brien. Two years ago he was in the operating theatre having major heart surgery. Today he finds himslelf attracting the attentions of the media for his fine displays for the first team.
He did make an error against Burnley, but it is inevitable that a young player will do so with so little experience as a starter. It is the opinion of many within the game that centre halves don't reach their full potential til they edge towards 30.
One thing is certain, that is that having two professionals like Shaun Barker and Jason Shackell at the club, he certainly will have good advice on tap that will only improve him further.
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