Derby County manager Phillip Cocu believes Wayne Rooney can have a positive impact on his side when the 33-year-old makes the move to the club in January transfer window.

Cocu's side have endured a somewhat mixed start to the season, with the Rams winning just one of their opening eight fixtures, before two wins in their last three matches lifted them back up to 13th place in the table going into the break.

Derby's hopes of continuing their recent upturn in form will be boosted in January by the arrival of Rooney, who is set to join the club in a player-coach role following the conclusion of D.C. United's play-off games in the MLS. And, the addition of England's record goalscorer could prove very beneficial to the Rams squad with his vast experience and quality a huge potential asset.

Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Cocu has revealed that he wasted no time trying to convince Rooney to join the club when he heard about the possibility, and that he can help to translate his coaching methods onto the rest of the group.

"I grabbed the phone and we talked about the game, our work as a manager and a staff. Then he told afterwards in the press conference that he was pleased to hear it and he wants to work for us. He really is interested in the game, that's why he wants to be a coach and a manager.

"As a manager, it is to have a player who can help with everything you want in the philosophy for the team, for him to talk about it in the locker room with the team and to guide the team."

The Verdict

Rooney's arrival in the January window is certainly much anticipated, and Cocu's is clearly glad to get someone with his ability at the club.

Derby will not just benefit from Rooney's presence around the training ground, but he will also add some extra quality to the Rams' squad and offer the ability to play in both midfield and up front - and the 33-year-old's experience and quality in possession will enhance their ability to control matches.

Cocu will be hopeful that Rooney can fit straight into the first team environment at Derby, and he should arrive fully fit having played a key role in D.C. United's MLS campaign, ensuring he can make an instant impact when he arrives in the New Year.

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