Wayne Rooney has been praising his Derby side for their efforts so far this season in the most challenging circumstances. 

It's been a testing campaign for all associated with Derby, having gone into administration in September and deducted 12 points as a result. A further nine-point was deducted following the EFL's verdict on the long-standing profitability and sustainability rule breach.

That's obviously combined with the club having to use youngsters combined with a mix of free agents recruited in the summer.

Even so, the Rams have still managed to claim five wins and ten draws from their 22 league games so far, although those deductions mean they remain rooted to the foot of the table, 17 points from safety.

Nevertheless, Rooney has still been impressed with what he has seen from his playing squad. Talking to club media, the Derby boss explained: “I’ve said it many times. but I think the players have been excellent.

“With all the issues that we’ve seen going on around the club their concentration, work ethic and commitment has been great."

Despite that, it seems Rooney still wants more from his team, as he added: "I am slightly frustrated at some of the games which I feel our performances deserved more points over the course of the season.

“Even now, there’s a few that still frustrate me, but that’s football and we just have to focus on picking up points, working hard and seeing where it takes us.

“As I’ve said before, we just need to keep going and see where we are in February and March time to determine where the season is going to go for us.”

Derby are nexy scheduled to be in on action on the 27th December, when they host promotion chasing West Brom at Pride Park.

The Verdict

There's no doubt that Rooney has so far done an incredible job this season with Derby. He has the smallest squad and arguably one of the poorest in terms quality in depth.

But with that group, he's developed a style of play that is attractive and works for the team. Not only that, his first full season has seen the likes of Dylan Williams, Liam Thompson and most recently Luke Plange breakout from the academy.

It's been incredible to see the progress of the side and once a takeover is resolved at the club, it will be an exciting future for all associated with Derby.