Rooney upbeat ahead Derby debut rules out retirement

Wayne Rooney has set his sights on playing as long as he can as he prepares to make his debut for Championship side Derby County.

The former England striker signed an 18-month deal with the Rams and is eligible to play for them in their clash against Barnsley at Pride Park on January 2.

Despite the agreement involving coaching duties at the club, Rooney insisted he would keep going as long as he physically can.

Asked whether he may stay beyond his initial deal, Rooney told Sky Sports: ‘That depends on different circumstances.

‘I have an 18-month contract. It depends on how my body is after that and how Derby feel I have done.

‘I feel good. I’ve been lucky in my career that I haven’t had major muscle injuries that can affect you later on. I haven’t missed a training session in two years. I will play for as long as my body allows me.

‘I signed in the summer but I’ve been in for a few weeks now training and I’m ready to play,’ he added. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’

The England’s record goalscorer has not played a match since leaving DC United on October 19, but claimed he felt in great shape.

He added: ‘I feel my body is still ready to play, I feel good. As long as I feel I can benefit the team, then I’ll play. I feel I can add quality to the team, experience. I feel there is plenty I can offer.

‘It’s a league that I’ve always watched and it’s a bit different to the Premier League – there are a lot more games first of all.

‘Quality-wise it’s probably not as good as the Premier League but it’s a good league. You have to battle to get results and I have no problem with that.Rooney left MLS club DC United in October after 52 games, 25 goals and two years in America.