Derby County defender Jake Rooney has signed a new three-year deal with the club following an impressive debut season.

The club confirmed his contract extension on Tuesday morning.

A cousin of former Rams boss and player Wayne Rooney, the young defender joined Derby last summer after impressing on trial.

Initially seen as an academy signing, Rooney quickly became part of the first team picture and went on to make 18 appearances in his first full season as a professional.

The 19-year-old featured at both right-back and centre-back over the course of the campaign, also providing cover on the bench on several occasions alongside a hatful of appearances for the Under-21s.

Derby County v West Ham United: Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Composed on the ball beyond his years, Rooney has proved to be a tidy acquisition for the Rams since arriving on a free transfer after his release from Burnley.

He made his debut for the club, and his senior bow, in a 2-1 victory over League Two outfit Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup, his first league appearance followed a few months later when he started against MK Dons away from home as Derby ran out 3-1 winners.

Will Rooney crack the first team fold?

The Rams have made several defensive additions so far this summer with Joe Ward, Callum Elder, Curtis Nelson, Sonny Bradley and Kane Wilson all entering the frame, so to have been awarded with a new contract at this time is a real showing of faith towards Rooney from boss Paul Warne.

All the signs so far lead towards the defender having a pretty impressive career lying ahead of him, and should he manage to break into the squad again this season in what will seemingly be a much tougher back line to force his way into then he is worthy of all the plaudits he receives.

There is a chance, of course, that Rooney may head out on loan this season to ensure game time. How likely that is, however, is yet to be determined.

Close