ROO RUNS RAMS RAID
Deep-lying veteran leads Derby to a Palace coup
WAYNE ROONEY inspired Derby’s FA Cup upset over Crystal Palace from a deeplying midfield role.
The former England captain returned to English football last week playing at the tip of a midfield diamond.
But against Palace yesterday Rams manager Phillip Cocu asked the 34-year-old to play in a deeper quarter-back role alongside Tom Huddlestone, 33.
And using the old firm together worked perfectly as Rooney, who was always able to find time and space, started the move in which former Palace loanee Chris Martin netted the winner after 32 minutes.
Palace were devastated by injuries and lost Luka Milivojevic after 65 minutes when referee Michael Oliver showed him a red card following a VAR check.
But Derby, who sit 17th in the Championship, are in the fourth round and have won three games in a row. It was their first away victory since August. Former
Holland midfielder Cocu was full of praise for Rooney and Huddlestone, saying: “Wayne did very well. He played in a more controlled position in midfield alongside Tom and it was a great combination. You could see the intelligence they have.
“They took positions to help with build-up but also had the ability to play the pass or through pass, so always had to be aware. It was a pleasure to watch.
“I don’t plan on playing Wayne deep all the time. He can do it, of course. He showed that today. But because of two games in short notice I thought he’d play with Tom, dictate the tempo and it would be more likely he could stay on for 90.And he did.
“I’m pleased he did because he needs some minutes, but we need to keep him fit as well. So I’m pleased with his performance and his fitness.”
Rooney last played in the FA Cup for Everton against Liverpool in January 2018 – and won his only winner’s medal with Manchester United by beating Palace in the 2016 final.
Cocu made nine changes from the side who beat Barnsley while Palace boss Roy Hodgson made five, with Academy graduate Brandon Pierrick, 18, making his first start. But Palace missed the creativity of the injured Wilf Zaha.
Martin netted the only goal after a fine cross from right-back Jayden Bogle.
C PALACE (4-3-3): Hennessey 6; Kelly 6, Cahill 7, Kouyate 6, Riedewald 5 (Woods 75, 6); Meyer 5 (McArthur 38, 6), Milivojevic 4, McCarthy 6; Pierrick 6 (Tomkins 73, 5), Wickham 5, Ayew 5. Sent off: Milivojevic 65.
DERBY (4-4-2): Roos 6; Bogle 7, Davies 7, Forsyth 6, Malone 6; Whittaker 6 (Holmes 72, 5), Huddlestone 6 (Bird 74, 5), Rooney 7, Lawrence 6; Martin 7, Sibley 6 (Waghorn 90).
Booked: Huddlestone, Malone.
Goal: Martin 32.