Roo says Plange has so much to offer in the front line
MANAGER’S PRAISE FOR ‘CLEVER’ YOUNG STRIKER
WAYNE Rooney says young striker Luke Plange has emerged as an option in Derby County’s attack because he offers a bit of everything.
Plange made his first-team debut when he appeared as a second-half substitute in the defeat by Bristol City at Ashton Gate earlier this month.
The 19-year-old impressed Rooney and was handed his first start in the 1-0 home victory over Blackpool in the next game, scoring the winning goal.
Plange joined the Rams in the summer after leaving Arsenal and he has been scoring regularly for the under-23s this season, with six in 10 Premier League 2 Division One games. Two of his goals came in a 5-3 win away against Arsenal. He also found the net twice in a 6-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
“Luke Plange has a bit of everything in his game,” Rooney said when asked about the striker.
“He can run in behind teams, he’s quick and he is also strong enough to hold the ball up. As well as that, he’s a clever player and also a finisher.
“With players like that, you know that if they get a chance that they are more than likely going to score.
“His goal against Blackpool was one he couldn’t miss but it was pleasing to see him in that position in the first place.
“People will say it’s lucky the ball fell to him but it’s about anticipating where the ball is going to go and Luke did that.”
Injuries to Sam Baldock and Jack Stretton have limited the attacking options available to Rooney, while Colin Kazim-richards has started only one game since he returned from an Achilles tendon injury.
Baldock has missed the last four matches due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the win against Bournemouth last month, while Stretton has been out with a knee problem.
Plange is only at the start of his career with plenty of development ahead of him but he deserved to start against Blackpool and he would have lined up against Cardiff City had Saturday’s game gone ahead.
“Luke has stepped up from the Under-23s but he isn’t the only one,” Rooney told Ramstv.
“We’ve seen several individuals step up, make their debuts and be important for us in the squad.
“From the Academy’s point of view, it is very pleasing and they are doing really well.”
Midfielder Liam Thompson has featured in the past five games, starting four of them, while Eiran Cashin and Osazee Aghatise have made their debuts as substitutes in recent weeks.
Eighteen-year-old left back Dylan Williams was in the 11 against Blackpool and has made eight appearances this season. Eight of 19-yearold Festy Ebosele’s 14 games have been starts.
FORMER Derby County defender Teden Mengi is a January target for Ipswich Town, according to reports.
The 19-year-old Manchester United player made nine appearances while on loan with the Rams last season before injury cut short his stay.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney was keen to bring Mengi back on loan this season but was hampered by a transfer embargo.
The Rams can sign players in January but the current embargo prevents them from paying transfer fees or loan fees.
Mengi has played twice as a substitute for United’s first team and could be allowed out on loan again to continue his development.
Ipswich’s new manager is Kieran Mckenna, who progressed from coaching in the youth set-up to moving into the first team coaching setup at United.
He has worked with Mengi and looked to United for possible additions to Ipswich’s squad.
Mckenna was asked about his plans for the January transfer window during his first press conference on Monday.
“We’ve had some initial discussions. To be completely honest my focus is on the players in the building at the moment,” he told the East Anglian Daily Times. “For sure the club will be active. I’ve handed in some recommendations in terms of personnel and positions in terms of what could be useful for us.
“My focus has got to be on the squad that we have though. A lot of players came in during the summer and we have a deep and talented squad at this level.”