Derby County's interim boss, Wayne Rooney, has revealed that the presence of Steve McClaren is a huge positive for him at the moment following the 59-year-old's arrival at Pride Park. 

Phillip Cocu parted company with Derby earlier in November, with the Rams rooted to the foot of the Championship table.

Rooney has been placed in temporary charge of the first-team and has been forced to take a step back from playing duty, placing his whole focus on management.

McClaren? Clement? Who was the Derby County manager when each of these 15 Rams moments happened?

The 35-year-old is a real rookie, but the return of McClaren to the club has been a positive step in his eyes and has given him an experienced figure to fall back on.

McClaren had two spells in-charge of the Rams, but his role now is as an advisor to the board.

On his return to Pride Park, Rooney told Derby's official media: "It’s been great having Steve here. It’s my first time in a position like this. I’m confident at it, but there are things I’ll have doubts over, and it’s great to bounce things off Steve and get his experience in certain things. It's good to have him around."

Rooney suffered back-to-back defeats in his opening two games in interim charge, with Bristol City and Middlesbrough getting the better of the Rams, with Rooney in the side.

However, his step away from the playing side of things on Saturday resulted in his first point as boss, with Derby drawing 1-1 with Wycombe Wanderers.

The Verdict

McClaren's appointment was always likely to help Rooney out.

Whatever you think of the 59-year-old's he has had a great career in management and Rooney is right to be looking to learn from him.

Whether Rooney is the right man to lead Derby long-term, I'm not sure, but if he is to be (and he is a contender) then McClaren's presence is going to be even more important.

Thoughts? Let us know!