Wayne Rooney is relishing the prospect of welcoming a packed-out crowd to Pride Park Stadium when Derby County host Birmingham City on Sunday afternoon (1:30pm kick-off).
Over 30,000 tickets have been snapped up for the meeting with the Blues as the Rams prepare to host the biggest crowd in the Sky Bet Championship for the current campaign to date.
Derby’s fans have rallied behind their team in the most challenging of circumstances this season, particularly after the club entered administration in September of last year.
As a result of going into administration, and historical breaches of the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules, the Rams have had 21 points docked from their 2021/22 season total.
Despite that blow, alongside the departures of some key players and the club’s future gaining national coverage in January, Rooney’s squad have risen to the challenge of trying to overcome the odds.
Going into this weekend’s round of matches, the Rams are eight points adrift of safety and Rooney has praised the supporters for their inspirational backing.
“I keep saying it, but the fans have been excellent,” Rooney told RamsTV.
“The support they are giving myself and the players has been huge.
“It will be great if it’s a sell out and hopefully we can reward all of our supporters with three points; that is the aim.
“I’ve got a great group of players who are working extremely hard for this club and the fans. We are all trying our best to give ourselves the best chance of staying up.
“It has been difficult throughout the season with everything that is going on, but our focus is purely what we can do on the pitch to try and improve and give ourselves the best chance.”
Birmingham were 2-0 winners across the Midlands when the sides met back in September.
Lee Bowyer’s side sit 18th in the table and Rooney is aware the threat that the Blues pose, despite a tricky run of form of late.
The 36-year-old, who recently celebrated a year in permanent charge of Derby, has made it clear that his side need to be focussed and ready for the challenge ahead.
“The players had a couple of days off this week to spend time with their families, get away from everything for a couple of days, and then we’ve been preparing for the game,” Rooney said.
“We know Birmingham haven’t been in a great run of form, but they’ve got players who can win the game for them.
“We know it will be a tough game and set pieces will be very important. We have to make sure, like every game in this league, that we’re focussed and ready.”
