Roo’s still hoping to take a Premier step

WAYNE ROONEY has not given up hope of snatching a play-off place as Derby look to make it back-to-back Championship victories at home to Blackburn today.

The veteran playercoach, who played in the Rams’ midweek FA Cup defeat against his former club Manchester United, wants his side to finish the season strongly – and see where they end up.

Prior to Saturday’s matches, Phillip Cocu’s Derby sat eight points adrift of the final play-off spot.

And in their last league outing they won 3-1 at Sheffield Wednesday.

But Rooney told his club’s website: “Sunday is a big game for us against Blackburn.

“The results went well for us in the league as well when we won at Hillsborough, so it’s another important match to try and edge a bit closer to the play-offs.

“We have to move on from the Manchester United game on Thursday night and be ready, because it’s important to back up a victory away from home with one at Pride Park.

“Back-to-back wins would be great and is what we are striving for.

“With 10 games left we have to take each one as it comes and keep pushing forward.

“When it comes to the final few games, let’s see where we are.

“However, we can’t look beyond Sunday for now.”

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has praised the impact Rooney has had since arriving at Derby.

“On paper it looks as if he’s made a huge impact,” said Mowbray.

“It looks statistically that he has made a big difference since he has come onto the pitch there.

“And in the games I have watched over the last few days, he seems to have really made a big impact.

“He’s just a top player who is playing in a league that his talent is better than, a little bit similar to what Stewy Downing is doing for us.”