2 Derby County dilemmas Wayne Rooney has ahead of Nottingham Forest clash | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest will be confident of taking their play-off push into the business end of the season, but they will be well aware that they need to continue to string wins together to achieve their aspirations.

Derby on the other hand have overseen a remarkable run, claiming 13 points from their last five games to reduce the gap between themselves and safety to eight points.

Wayne Rooney has endured a lot of uncertainty around the playing squad and his own future in recent months, but the former England captain will be relishing the chance to scupper the Reds’ top six hopes with a victory at the City Ground.

Here, we have taken a look at two dilemmas Rooney has to contend with ahead of the Forest clash…

Brennan Johnson

Derby have been exceptional defensively this season and it has provided a solid base for them to stay in games for extended periods.

However, the likely centre back pairing of Richard Stearman, 34, and Curtis Davies, 36, is not as well suited to defending against the searing pace and directness of Brennan Johnson.

The 20-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of this Championship season and scored the equaliser in the reverse fixture at Pride Park.

Rooney will need to plan for the threat he poses or the Rams will be under the cosh for the large periods of the game.

19-year-old utility man Festy Ebosele has been a driving force in Derby’s recent run, but the youngster can cover so many different positions it is hard to pinpoint his specialist role.

Ebosele tends to play off either flank as a wide midfielder or full back, but caught the eye with a sensational surging run through the centre of the pitch to register an assist for Tom Lawrence’s second goal against Sheffield United.

The Republic of Ireland could be a real asset for Derby in offensive areas and Rooney will be desperate to get the most out of him in such a huge game.

Ebosele’s versatility gives Rooney plenty of options and selection headaches going into the famous fixture.