Former England captain Wayne Rooney officially joined the Sky Bet Championship side as player-coach this week and will be in the Pride Park dugout to watch Saturday’s clash with QPR.
The 34-year-old, who left MLS outfit DC United in October and has agreed to an 18-month deal, will be ineligible to represent Phillip Cocu’s side until the winter transfer window opens.
Rams supporters have already chanted Rooney’s name at matches and he shares that excitement ahead of a potential first appearance against Barnsley on January 2.
“(I am) really looking forward to it. I’ve watched most of the games. It will be nice to get to Pride Park and meet the supporters,” Rooney told Rams TV.
“It’s been a long time since it was announced that I’d joined the club, so it will be nice for me but also for the fans.
“Hopefully I can give the players and the fans a lift. It’s always exciting when you join a new club but when you get to meet the fans for the first time, it will be a nice feeling.
“I’ve heard them at games singing my name and different things so I think it’s great for all of us. Hopefully it can help us push on. It’s an exciting time.
💥 @WayneRooney's Derby County journey has begun!
Enjoy! 🐏 pic.twitter.com/T17v7QIXfu
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) November 29, 2019
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“It’s great just to be back around all the lads and the frustrating part of it will be training all week and not playing at the weekend.”
Derby reached the play-off final under Frank Lampard last season but have endured an unconvincing start under his successor Cocu.