Wayne Rooney is looking to make the most of Derby County’s lack of midweek games to spend more time on game preparation.
The relentless nature of the Sky Bet Championship season has seen plenty of midweek matches appear on the fixture list in recent months.
However, Rooney’s side have the luxury of several successive clear weeks up until the end of December for the first time in a number of months.
That has allowed the Derby boss to formulate a training schedule with a thought-out balance of work, rest and recovery for his squad over the coming weeks.
It has been a challenging period for the Rams owing to entering administration in September and being impacted by two separate points deductions, so Rooney is also aware of the importance of giving his players time to recover the body and the mind when suitable.
Derby are back in action at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon against Blackpool (3pm kick-off) in what will be their final home game before Christmas - and Rooney wants to send the Rams’ faithful into the festive period in a positive manner.
“We have had a couple of days to rest this week and also time to work on our preparations for the game, so we are looking forward to it,” Rooney told RamsTV.
“It’s quite strange that there is no midweek game for the next couple of weeks, so it does give us that chance to work with the team and get the preparations how we want them.
“That’s what we’ll be using that time for and making sure any messages we need to put into the players are delivered.”
He added: “There are a number of players in the squad who have played a lot of games so far, so we allowed them to have a couple of days with their families this week to relax and get away from football.
“When we have been in at the training ground, we have working hard to prepare for the game on Saturday against Blackpool.”
Blackpool are back in the second tier for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign after defeating Lincoln City in last season’s League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.
Neil Critchley’s side currently occupy 15th spot and have enjoyed a steady return to life in the Championship.
Rooney is aware of the threat the Seasiders provide and is expecting a tough test at Pride Park.
“We know it will be a tough game,” Rooney said. “They play with a 4-4-2 shape, with a mid-block and work hard in trying to deny teams any space.
“We are expecting a really difficult game against them and we’ll do everything we can to get a win.”
Derby were beaten 1-0 in their last outing at Bristol City last weekend and Rooney is, understandably, looking for a reaction from his players.
A positive to take away from the defeat at Ashton Gate was the debut of striker Luke Plange, who came off the bench at half-time at Ashton Gate.
The 19-year-old was called up to the first team by Rooney after an impressive campaign for the Under-23s.
The youngster has scored six times in Premier League 2 - Division 1, registering three assists, for Pat Lyons’ side and has played a key role in their recent five-game unbeaten run.
Rooney has insisted the in-form frontman has deserved his opportunity to impress at senior level.
“I think he did well when he came on,” Rooney said. “He was positive, took the ball and moved it well so it was a positive debut for him.
“It was a forced change from what I felt we produced as a team in the first half, but Luke did alright.
“Luke gives us something different to what we have at the minute so he will be available and ready for the game on Saturday against Blackpool if required.”
He added: “There are times where that I have been forced into giving players a chance but with Luke Thompson and Luke Plange, they are examples of working hard, doing the right things and playing well for the Under-23s to earn a chance to come and play with the first-team.”
