Roo points the way

WAYNE ROONEY says he is facing the most difficult time of his career in football – but refuses to accept crisis-club Derby cannot topple high-fliers Bournemouth today.

The Rams were dealt another kick-in-the-teeth this week when League chiefs handed down a ninepoint deduction.

That comes on top of the 12 points already knocked off for breaching the profit and sustainability rules. It has plunged the club, who remain in administration, back into minus figures.

Asked if the cards were stacked against him now more than at any other time in his career, Rooney (right) said: “If you are talking about the off-thefield stuff, I agree. On the pitch, I don’t.

“The odds have been stacked against us since the first day of the season and this is just another knock on top of that.

“The players won’t change. They’ll play with passion, courage and pride. And if you look at the performances, we went into the game against West Brom when they were top and came away with a good point.

“We’re in a difficult position. But they are giving everything on the pitch. We are certainly good enough to compete with Bournemouth.”

Rooney was certainly looking at the situation with his glass half-full.

Asked if keeping Derby in the Championship last season was his greatest achievement, he added: “My playing career is now in the back of my mind.

“I’m looking forward. I want to build in the right way to make sure that Derby have a successful future. This is a great football club. It’s bigger than League One.”