3/1 To Win
Former Rams midfielder Robbie Savage says he still can’t quite believe Wayne Rooney is a Derby County player – but he’s in little doubt when it comes to the impact he can make.
Rooney officially joined Derby at the beginning of this month after it was announced back in August that he would be joining from Major League Soccer side DC United.
England and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer has made three appearances in all competitions so far and manager Phillip Cocu has also handed him the captain’s armband.
As well as penning a playing contract with Derby, Rooney has joined the Rams as a coach and continue to develop his coaching credentials, under Cocu's guidance, in preparation for a potential managerial career.
Savage, who made 137 appearances for the Rams between January 2008 and May 2011, says the 34-year-old can play a big role both on and off the pitch.
“I can’t believe Wayne Rooney is at Derby County to be honest,” Savage said whilst speaking to Colin Gibson in the latest instalment of RamsTV Meets.
“I am sure Wayne, as a legend of the game, will have an impact. He is a great lad and I am good friends with Rio Ferdinand (from media work with BT Sport) who speaks so well of him.
“I am sure he will be a manager in the future and when I heard the news about Wayne joining Derby back in August, I was shocked.”
He added: “I hope Phillip Cocu takes Derby to the Premier League. It will be tough this year I think but what I will say having Wayne Rooney at the club is fantastic.”
Derby currently sit mid-table in the Championship after 27 games so far this season.
However, with the division wide open the Rams are only eight points off a play-off spot.
Savage, who is now enjoying a successful career in the media, believes anything is possible in the Championship.
The 45-year-old hopes Rooney can help fire the side up the table in the second half of the campaign.
He said: “Wayne is a character and a great player, a legend of the game for what he has achieved for club and country.
“I hope he can inspire Derby to get on a run and if you can do that, anything can happen in the Championship.
“If that could happen, I think he would be a hero. Wayne Rooney at Derby County is just incredible.”
