RED-HOT ROO’S STILL A CLASS ACT – PARKER
FULHAM boss Scott Parker could only praise Wayne Rooney after Derby’s skipper turned in a magical performance to cap his 500th English league appearance with a ‘Panenka’ penalty.
Rooney did not disappoint after being handed a more advanced role by Phillip Cocu, controlling the game with measured passes and dangerous set plays.
His spot-kick early in the second-half had given Derby the lead against the promotion chasing Cottagers, but Aleksandar Mitrovic volleyed in his 22nd league goal of the season to rescue a point.
And Parker was full of praise for his former England teammate.
“He’s had a massive impact since he’s been here, it’s no surprise Derby’s upturn in form has coincided with Wayne coming to the club,” he said.
“I have no doubt, I don’t know looking in from the outside, but when you bring in a player of Wayne’s calibre, you’re not just talking about his technique because that’s there for everyone to see.
“But you bring a player into the building that has a mentality of knowing what it is all about and driving standards every single day and he’s probably scooping a few up along the way.
“That’s what you get and obviously at times you could see his quality as well. He’s had to adapt his game, but you often find that the world-class players can do that.”
Derby started well, with Marek Rodack being forced into a save after 23 minutes after Matt Clarke turned Rooney’s freekick towards goal.
And Rodack again kept the scores level when Tom Lawrence robbed Anthony Knockaert of possession. He sent in a low shot from the edge of the area, but it was superbly turned behind by Rodak.
The hosts did finally claim a deserved lead after 55 minutes.
Fulham were caught trying to play out from the back and centre-back Tim Ream was adjudged to have handled. Rooney stepped up and cheekily beat Rodak from the spot. Fulham had lacked urgency and it was no surprise when they made a double change just after 65 minutes which paid off six minutes later.
Both subs were involved with Ivan Cavaleiro running across the edge of the box and, after his shot was blocked, Aboubakar Kamara whipped in a cross which Mitrovic volleyed past Hamer from 12 yards.
Rooney drove Derby forward in search of a winner only for Rodak to make two more great saves to deny Max Bird and Jack Marriot.
Derby boss Cocu was delighted with Rooney.
“Tonight Wayne played in a more forward position. He showed great skill, great vision, technical ability and he’s important in all aspects tactically,” he said.
“He can adapt if any changes have to be made during the game and that’s always a pleasure for a manager or coach to have somebody like that.
“He also helps the young players develop. He talks a lot to individuals, most of the days before training he’s in the coaches’ office to see how we work. He gives his input and opinion so he knows exactly how we work.”