Derby County are ahead against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough this afternoon courtesy of a strike from Jeff Hendrick.

The new Republic of Ireland international exchanged passes with Jamie Ward before advancing into the penalty area and slotting home with a measured finish after 25 minutes.

Wednesday responded well and started to dominate possession without troubling the Derby goal with any dangerous attacks.

The Owls brought on Conor Wickham for his debut before the interval in an early change and he immediately looked lively in attack alongside Leroy Lita.

Michail Antonio had a curling strike well saved by Adam Legzdins in the final action of the first half as Derby held firm to take their 1-0 lead into the break.