Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has admitted that Ravel Morrison has increased the standard in training since arriving on trial, during a recent interview with the Daily Mail.

The former Manchester United player has taken his ex-teammate on trial basis this summer, with Morrison featuring in Derby's weekend friendly defeat to the Red Devils at Pride Park.

Now aged 28, the three time Jamaican international has been without a club since leaving ADO Den Haag back in January of this year and is seemingly keen on getting back into playing as soon as possible.

Speaking recently about the talented midfielder, Rooney was quick to emphasise just how positive an impact Morrison has had since he came into the club:

"I think with Ravel, he's very misunderstood. His ability is clear for everyone to see.

"Since he's been with us, the standards in training have gone up. There are things he does on and off the ball that I can recognise immediately. That's where he's brought the levels up in training.

"He showed some nice touches on the pitch against United but we need to remember he hasn't played for a very, very long time. So it was natural that physically he was going to tire."

The midfield player has largely struggled since leaving United back in 2012 for West Ham and has since taken in spells with the likes of Birmingham City, QPR, Cardiff City, Lazio, Atlas, Östersunds FK, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.

Derby are yet to have signed any players this summer, amidst uncertainty off the pitch.

The Verdict 

Rooney and co are clearly in need of some new recruits and it could be the case that signing some free agents will be their best option this summer.

Morrison undoubtedly has plenty of talent but it is clear that his attitude is what lets him down time and time again.

If Derby can harness that and get him up to full fitness, I would say that they have nothing to lose if they sign him on a short term contract to begin with.

It could well prove to be a master stroke and with Rooney already having that existing relationship with him from their playing days, he may well be able to get the best out of him moving forwards.

This is certainly a wildcard option that the Rams should give serious consideration.