Cocu Believes Rooney Influence Can Be Positive For Derby

Phillip Cocu believes having Wayne Rooney at Pride Park Stadium for Saturday’s home fixture against Queens Park Rangers can only be a positive for his Derby County players.

The 34-year-old former England international will officially arrive from Major League Soccer outfit DC United in January on an initial 18-month contract until the summer of 2021, with the option of a further year.

As well as penning a playing contract with Derby, Rooney will join the club as a coach and continue to develop his coaching credentials in preparation for a potential managerial career.

Rooney, ahead of being available to play from the beginning of January, will be at Pride Park for this weekend’s clash with the Hoops and will be introduced to the Derby fans ahead of kick-off.

Cocu says the having the five-time Premier League winner and England and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, and the experience he provides, can only be a good thing.

The Derby boss says he will discuss with Rooney in the coming days his exact role at the weekend, but he’s looking forward to having him around the squad.

“He will be around,” Cocu said when speaking to RamsTV.

“His role on the day we will discuss, but he will be there to support the team.

“He cannot play but it would be very good and positive to get him involved in the team and the team tactics.

“It is something we are talking about ahead of Saturday’s game.”

With over 700 professional appearances to his name in club football alone, Cocu is convinced Rooney’s impact will be positive for his side.

He said: “He will be important for us. His experience will also be beneficial.”

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