Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton has claimed that Wayne Rooney has had a big impact at Derby County since joining the club.

The ex-Manchester United forward has been in terrific form since his arrival at the Rams and netted a cheeky chipped penalty against Fulham on Friday night.

Since a 3-0 defeat at Reading back in December, Derby have lost just two games out of their last 14 in all competitions and are slowly pushing up the Championship table.

QPR face Derby on Tuesday night and the R's will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to four games against Phillip Cocu's side.

Ahead of the game, Warburton stated that the Rams have quality all over the pitch but that Rooney has had a major impact on the Derby side.

Speaking to QPR's official website, Warburton said: "Wayne Rooney is definitely having an impact and he would do because he is a world-class player, one of England's greatest.

"There was always going to be a reaction and they have also got the likes of (Tom) Lawrence and (Martyn) Waghorn, who we know well. They have quality all over the pitch and what we have to do is recognise it and respect it."

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The Verdict

What an exceptional impact Rooney has made on this Derby team so far this season. It was looking so bleak for them but he's injected a bit of energy into the side.

They are now much more creative and have been better over the last few months. Rooney has been at the forefront of all their recent success.

It's good to see an opposition manager such as Warburton understanding that and clearly highlighting the England legend as a major threat to his side.

It's set to be an entertaining game on Tuesday night and both sides should have a number of good opportunities with the attacking threat displayed on the pitch.