It’s a Given that Wayne will boss it in Prem

EXCLUSIVE BY IAN MURTAGH WAYNE ROONEY may have recently ruled himself out of managing his beloved Everton for now – but it is only a matter of time before he is rubbing shoulders with the elite.

That is according to Shay Given, who was Derby’s first-team coach under Rooney, before leaving last summer.

And the former Republic of Ireland international reckons the ex-Manchester United striker has the drive, the ambition and the skill-set to hit the heights in management.

“Wayne is tactically bright and knows how to get the best out of his players,” said 45-year-old Given, who is looking to get back into coaching.

“Look at the job he’s doing at Derby despite all of the problems that are confronting him.”

Given did not know what to expect when one of the game’s biggest names was handed the Rams’ managerial job 12 months ago – but he was quickly won over.

He said: “Wayne’s man-management skills are first class, he has an excellent understanding of the game and he enjoys a really good working relationship with his assistant Liam Rosenior.

“He’s not afraid to think outside the box. Some of Wayne’s ideas did raise a few eyebrows and there would be times when you wouldn’t agree with him.

“But more often than not, they worked.

“And I know he is desperate to become a top manager in exactly the same way that he wanted to be one of the best players in the world.”

Shedding light on Rooney’s dressing room manner, Given said: “He’s quite calm actually, even when the team plays badly.

“Of course, he raises his voice the odd time, which is just human nature, but he’s a lot calmer as a manager than he ever was as a player!

“He understands the right and the wrong time to have a go. He’s got the balance just about right.”

Former Newcastle keeper Given feels the way Rooney (above) has conducted himself with Derby’s very future in peril, must have enhanced his long-term prospects.

“I’m sure everyone’s admired the way he’s handled the situation at Derby when you don’t know what will happen from one day to the next,” said Given.

“The club is an absolute mess but he’s shown great dignity through it all.

“From what I’ve seen working with him on a daily basis, I expect Wayne to be managing in the Premier League before very long.”