Sibley and Knight were quick to react to Bird’s latest message on Instagram. The duo were were keen to heap praise on the midfielder for his moment of real quality in the win against Stoke.

The verdict

Bird’s goal against Stoke was much-needed to life the morale around the stadium and amongst the Derby players on Saturday. It was a moment that showed the quality that the Rams still possess despite being down to the bare bones in terms of squad numbers.

Over the next few months heading into the January window, there is a chance for a host of Derby player to put themselves in the shop window for potential moves.

That is an inevitable consequence of the Rams entering into administration over the last few days.

The individual quality of some of the players in Rooney’s squad is obvious. Bird is a player that will likely be on the radar of other clubs with him able to produce moments like he did in the win against Stoke at the weekend.

However, for now, Bird needs to continue to try and make that kind of impact on matches more regularly.

Knight and Sibley will both be aware of the quality that the midfielder has to offer and they will be wanting to see him deliver that in the coming games with the Rams needing all the help they can get at the moment.