Rooney pulls strings in Derby debut

Wayne Rooney made a winning debut for Derby County yesterday with a hand in both goals in a 2-1 victory over Barnsley in England’s second-tier League Championship.

The former England striker was named captain for his first appearance since agreeing in August to join the club as a January signing on an

18-month deal. Manchester United and England’s record scorer had been training, coaching and sitting in the dugout at matches for several weeks, but this was the first time he had been eligible to play following his departure from Major League Soccer side DC United.

The 34-year-old Rooney played the full match, despite it being his first competitive game since October.

He set up the opening goal for Jack Marriott and provided a pin-point diagonal pass in the build-up to Derby’s second goal, after Elliot Simoes had equalised for Barnsley.

Managed by former Dutch midfielder Phillip Cocu, Derby have now won back-to-back matches for the first time this season, after beating Charlton 2-1 on Tuesday, but remain

17th.