Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney told RamsTV he believes Derby County have had a mixed bag of a season so far with their away form needing to improve.
Rooney agreed to join the Rams last summer, but he isn’t available to play until January.
The England record goal scorer has finished his season in the MLS. And, after a short break, he has begun training with Derby ahead of January.
Rooney will be on the bench as part of manager Phillip Cocu’s staff for the visit of Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park this weekend.
Speaking to RamsTV, the 34-year-old assessed the Rams’ season so far.
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Mixed bag really. I think the home form has been really good, but the away form not so great. I think if we can pick up a few more points away from home that would really help us. If we can win two or three games on the bounce it would put us in a good position and get us a lot closer to the playoff spots.
Derby sit in midtable in the Championship. The Rams have won six, drawn six and lost six of their 18 games to date, and consistency has eluded them.
At home, Phillip Cocu’s side have turned Pride Park into a fortress. Derby have won five straight home games, keeping a clean sheet in their last four encounters.
But on the road, the Rams haven’t won away since the opening day of the season at Huddersfield Town. Their last visit to Fulham ended in a 3-0 defeat.
Derby are just six points shy of the playoffs. If they could improve their away form and remain strong at home, there is no reason why they can’t close in on the top six.
Rooney’s arrival will be a big boost for the club. Questions, however, remain over his likely position with Derby top heavy in terms of central attacking options.
Also see: ‘Back in business’: Five-time PL winner responds to Wayne Rooney’s message to Derby fans
Also see: Three academy stars; six Clough signings: Is this Derby County’s team of the decade?