Derby County boss Phillip Cocu could be set to hand a first start to former England International Wayne Rooney for the clash against Barnsley.
According to Four Four Two, Cocu has revealed that Rooney could be in the starting XI as they look to win back to back games following their victory over Charlton Athletic at Pride Park.
The former Manchester United man was a spectator as the Rams ended their seven match winless run and he could now be in line to start for Cocu’s men.
Krystian Bielik and Tom Lawrence are suspended for the match against Barnsley allowing Rooney to come into the side as their star signing looks set for Championship action.
On whether he would start Rooney, Cocu said: “If a player with the qualities, career and the experience of Rooney is available you have to be very happy and glad he is here, so I don’t need a suspension to consider him in the first XI to be honest.”
“He’s fit, he can start but he will need a few games. Expectation will be high when he starts playing but we have to give him a few games to build up his minutes and get in the team.”
“So maybe not perfect from the start but it’s important he will get in the team as soon as possible so we get a certain shape in our team.”
There is no doubt that eyebrows were raised when Derby announced the signing of Rooney but the calibre of the former England man is unquestionable.
He is sure to bring real quality to the Rams team despite being 34-years-old and could help Derby climb the table during the second half of the campaign.
