Waghorn, Wisdom futures still in the balance
NO decision has been made yet on the Derby County futures of Martyn Waghorn and Andre Wisdom.
Both players are out of contract at the end of the season.
Waghorn has made 27 appearances this season, including 17 starts, although the 31-year-old forward was left out of the squad for the last match against Stoke City because of “unacceptable behaviour” in training the day before the game.
Wisdom, the 27-year-old defender, has played 35 games this season, of which he has started 32.
Asked about their contract situations, Rooney said: “No decisions have been made, that is still the case.
“I think with Waggy and Wis it is something they and myself have to be patient with. We are waiting on new ownership, we are still waiting for that to happen.
“We can obviously try and get them sorted out before the season ends but I think the most important thing for them is to keep playing, keep working and keep doing their best for the team.”
Rooney has been delighted with Waghorn’s reaction after being axed from the squad against Stoke.
The forward will return to Derby’s squad for tomorrow’s Championship clash with Luton.
“Waggy has been outstanding since the Stoke game,” said Rooney.
“He has come back. I think, after the Stoke game, it was good for him to have a couple of days off and reflect on what’s happened and he has been really good in training over this last week.
“I am delighted with his reaction to being left out of the squad and I explained to him at the time I am not closing the door on him, so it was all about his reaction and I have to say I am really pleased with his reaction.
“He will certainly be in the squad. Whether he starts or not, I’m not sure, but he will be an option for me to use on the day.
“The main thing I want from my players is togetherness. I know they are not all going to be best mates, that happens across every team, you have players in there who maybe don’t like someone else, but when they are on that training pitch and when they cross the line on a Saturday they have to be together.
“Where we are in the League I can’t afford to have any players causing any disruption and that is something I spoke to Waggy about. I am delighted with his reaction this week.
“That is something now I would like to draw a line under.”