Morrison jets to the rescue for Rooney
GLOBE-TROTTING Ravel Morrison was the jet-lagged hero of a crucial Derby win.
In a game which was overshadowed by two red cards, the Jamaica striker came to the rescue just 48 hours after playing his third international in a fortnight.
Morrison made it four goals in five games and is playing a vital part in the survival fight which now sees the Rams six points from safety with six games left.
Boss Wayne Rooney said: “I could have started him but he took part in training yesterday and I felt he looked tired, after 90 minutes three times and travel.
“I am delighted for him to get the goal and delighted for all the players. We knew it was a must-win game.”
Morrison, who played against Canada, Honduras and El Salvador, arrived in the UK early on Friday.
He struck with a rebound 10 minutes from time after Preston keeper Daniel Iversen pulled off an amazing double save.
How this match needed it. Liam Lindsay’s second red card in 11 games this season – for a tackle on Tom Lawrence – was followed by Max Bird’s dismissal for a challenge on Ben Whiteman.
Rooney revealed afterwards that he warned the players about their discipline at halftime only to see Bird sent off 10 minutes later.
Preston boss Ryan Lowe said: “They wanted it more. When they get their man sent off, they found the way to win and we didn’t capitalise.”
DERBY: Allsop 6; Byrne7, Davies 7, Cashin 7, Buchanan 7; Knight 6, Bird 5, Lawrence 8; Ebiowei 6 (Morrison (67th) 5), Ebosele 6 (Bielik (57th) 6), Plange 6 (Stearman 85th)
PRESTON: Iversen 8; Rafferty 6, Bauer 6, Lindsay 4, Hughes 6; Browne 6, Whiteman 6, Johnson 7; Jakobsen 4 (Van Den Berg (34th) 6), Evans 5 (Maguire (64th) 5) Archer 6 (Murphy 74th)
STAR MAN: Tom Lawrence
REF: G Eltringham