Wayne Rooney shares message as Derby County prepare to take on Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has taken to Instagram to share an insight into the club’s preparations for their clash with arch-rivals Nottingham Forest this weekend.

The Rams will be looking to close the gap between them and safety by securing all three points in their showdown with the Reds.

Having recently secured victories over the likes of Sheffield United, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, Derby ought to be brimming with confidence heading into Saturday’s clash.

However, the Rams know that they could potentially be in for a tough afternoon at the City Ground if they are not at their best in this fixture as Forest have won four of their last six league games.

With Everton opting to sack Rafael Benitez earlier this week, Rooney has emerged as a contender for the vacancy at Goodison Park.

Yet despite reports linking him to a return to the Toffees, the 36-year-old is set to oversee proceedings at Derby in tomorrow’s fixture.

Ahead of this game, Rooney has taken to Instagram to show his side participating in training for their meeting with Forest.

Rooney posted images of himself interacting with the Derby players with the caption: “Preparation for Saturday.”

Quiz: Can you name which club Derby County sold these 26 players to?

1 of 26

Who did Derby sell Jayden Bogle to?

Sheffield United Sheffield Wednesday Leeds United Burnley

The Verdict

Derby will be desperate to claim the bragging rights in this particular clash after being forced to settle for a point at Pride Park earlier this season.

Tom Lawrence’s strike was cancelled out by a late effort from Brennan Johnson in August.

In order to have the best chance of guiding his side to victory on Saturday, Rooney may have to turn to Lawrence for inspiration once again.

The Wales international produced a stunning display last weekend as he bagged a brace against Sheffield United and thus will be confident in his ability to make a difference at the City Ground.

Derby will also need the likes of Jason Knight, Curtis Davies and Max Bird to be on top form as they look to provide their travelling supporters with a performance to be proud of tomorrow.