Derby County youngster Jake Rooney made his long-awaited return from injury in the friendly win over Matlock Town, with the 20-year-old now highlighting his ultimate aim to Paul Warne.
The hardest part of being a footballer is suffering through a long-term injury and waiting patiently to return.
Jake Rooney – a 20-year-old defender signed from Burnley in the summer of 2022 – has encountered the above struggles at Derby in the past 10 months.
After making 18 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, Rooney started as part of a back three alongside Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson last term.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
The young defender starred in victories over Peterborough and Fleetwood Town last August before his world was rocked in the 14th minute against Bolton Wanderers, as he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
This meant from September onwards Derby would be without the talented centre-back, with Rooney missing the entire campaign.
Luckily, he’s since made a full recovery from such a devastating injury, returning to action in the pre-season friendly win over Matlock Town.
Jake Rooney highlights his main aim at Derby County
Rooney described the months of rehabilitation to get to this point as “tough” both on and off the pitch but after escaping a ‘dark place’, he’s now ‘thankful to be in this current position.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “It was a dark place at the start, but I’m thankful to get here now.”
Following his comeback from injury, Rooney is determined to build on his 21 first-team appearances at Derby by making an impression on Paul Warne’s team.
“I back myself in any team, so I 100% think I can get back into the team,” he said.
“Without a shadow of a doubt I’m a lot more physical and a lot better now and I can’t wait for it.”
The role Jake Rooney will play at Derby County in the Championship
Rooney is blessed that after such a lengthy layoff through injury, he has a full pre-season to regain match sharpness and work his way back into Warne’s plans.
Last term, Derby had the strongest defence in League One as the partnership of Cashin and Nelson blossomed into something special.
The Rams conceded just 37 goals in 46 matches and such a record explains why Warne isn’t rushing to add defensive reinforcements, especially with Rooney at his disposal.
The youngster predominantly played on the right of a back three when thrown into the side however, the Derby boss switched between a four-man defence and a three-at-the-back system last term.
If he chooses a four-at-the-back formation, Rooney will likely miss out, while in a three-man defence, he has a real opportunity to play on the right of a back three.
Of course, that depends on whether Warne brings another defender through the door but currently, the only other player competing for a spot in the side is Sonny Bradley, who can only play in the middle.
This could give Rooney a chance to stamp his mark and show he’s capable of playing in the Championship.