ROONEY DROPS MAJOR STRIKER HINT

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has hailed the impact of striker Lee Gregory who is currently on loan at the club from Stoke City. The striker has been at Derby since January last year after sealing a loan switch from his parent club, and he has proven to be an excellent signing for Rooney’s side.

Gregory decided to part ways with Stoke on a temporary basis (at least) so he could get the opportunity of getting more football minutes on the pitch as it was looking highly unlikely he would be getting that at Stoke. He could also be available for a permanent switch when the summer transfer window opens for business in a few months and Rooney is remaining coy on the player’s chances of continuing his career at the club.

Although he was particularly struggling with a groin injury some months back, the 32-year-old has bounced back impressively and seems to have impressed Rooney with his zeal and passion to get into the 18-yard box and very hungry to score goals as well.

In a total of eleven appearances (six starts and five from the bench), he scored three goals earlier in the season before suffering a hamstring injury that looks like will keep him out till the end of the season.

Speaking to DerbyshireLive, Rooney was briefing reporters about the striker’s situation at the club and he said the 32-year-old will no longer play for Derby this season due to injury. The manager also admitted that it is an unfortunate situation, given that the forward was already getting into some fine form before the injury struck, and that everyone at the club will miss him.

However, Rooney added that they will do everything to ensure that he gets back to fitness as quickly as possible.