STEVE: ROO WILL COOK UP A STORM

STEVE COOK says Nottingham Forest are ready for Wayne Rooney to launch a shock and awe assault.

Fierce rivals Derby are in danger of going out of business and struggling to cope with everything that is being thrown at them.

But former Bournemouth defender Cook (below) expects a battle of epic proportions because of Rooney’s renowned scrapping spirit.

Cook knows Derby manager Rooney (above) socially from family holidays in Portugal but has also seen him first hand in the heat of battle.

The 30-year-old says the Manchester United legend will be firing them up in his own image.

Cook said: “He was an extremely good footballer and so aggressive. I’m glad I never tussled with him. When he played the fight and desire came from within.

“He really asks for that and Derby are giving him that at the moment – they are fighting for everything.”

Cook recalls a Bournemouth trip to Old Trafford, saying: “It was supposed to be the last match of the season but the game got called off for a bomb scare.

“So we went back up on the Tuesday. Rooney actually played central midfield and absolutely ran the game. He probably took the mick out of us. No one managed to get near him.

“I remember once at Everton he came off the pitch with a smashed eye from Simon Francis. I think Simon was extremely worried after that because he knew what might be coming around the corner!”

Cook hopes his experience of promotion with the Cherries can help out as Forest make a concerted push for the play-offs.

Bottom of the table after six games, Steve Cooper’s side are now within a whisker of the top six after just two defeats in 13 games.

“The excitement of being promoted when we won the league is still my favourite ever season,” said Cook. “I’d love the lads here to experience that.

“It’s incredible. Promotion is truly special and everything that it brings like playing the Man Citys of this world.”