Rooney Toasts ‘Magnificent’ Lawrence Goals

Wayne Rooney hailed Tom Lawrence’s brace of goals in Derby County’s victory against Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon as ‘magnificent’.

The 28-year-old scored two excellent goals in the second half as the Rams defeated the Blades 2-0 at Pride Park Stadium.

The Rams’ captain opened the scoring after 69 minutes as he wriggled clear of several defenders before guiding the ball beyond goalkeeper Wes Foderingham with a left-footed finish.

Lawrence doubled the lead with a sensational second with just over ten minutes left as he curled the ball into the top corner, after being teed up by Craig Forsyth, to send the home fans wild.

The win - a year to the day from when Rooney took permanent charge of Derby - lifted the side above Barnsley and off the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table on goal difference, despite the Rams having had 21 points deducted this season.

Rooney’s side continue to battle against the odds to stay in the second tier and the Rams’ boss was delighted with Lawrence’s contribution.

“They were great goals,” Rooney told RamsTV. “Both were magnificent and capped off a really good performance from the players.

“The first goal was a great run, great composure, great skill and a great finish as well.

“The second goal came from a really strong driving run from Festy. I felt if I could get him on the right and higher up the pitch, that’s what he brings with his pace.

“Once again, with his left foot, it was a great finish from Tom and exactly what he is capable of.”