3/1 To Win
Wayne Rooney is looking forward to seeing how Derby County’s young guns will tackle their latest Carabao Cup challenge.
Derby will head to fellow Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield United in Round Two of the competition on Tuesday evening (7:45pm kick-off).
Rooney, as he did in Round One against Salford City, is set to hand several the Rams’ youngsters the chance to impress once again.
The likes of Dylan Williams, Jordan Brown, Isaac Hutchinson, Jack Stretton, Louie Watson and Festy Ebosele all featured and impressed against Salford.
Derby drew 3-3 over the course of the 90 minutes before running out 5-3 winners on penalties to set up an away tie against the Blades.
Rooney believes the opportunity to pit their wits against a side that was playing in the Premier League last season will stand the players in good stead.
“The team for the Sheffield United game will be a similar team to the one that featured in the Salford City game in Round One,” Rooney told RamsTV.
“I think it’s so important that these young players get minutes on the pitch because they need to be ready.
“We have seen that if we get an injury, some of these players will have to step up so it’s a great opportunity for these players to get minutes in.
“I was delighted when I saw the tie. I think it’s a big game for us to play against another Championship team away from home, that were in the Premier League last season, and it will be a big challenge for some of those lads.
“I think they are ready to go and show people what good players they are.”
After the trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United, Derby will welcome local rivals Nottingham Forest to Pride Park Stadium in their Sky Bet Championship on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off) in their last fixture before the September international break.
