Wayne Rooney records assist in Derby County debut win over Barnsley

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:17 am

Wayne Rooney recorded an assist on his Derby County debut as the Rams defeated Barnsley 2-1 in the Championship on Thursday.

Rooney, who was named captain on the day and also serves as a coach with the club, curled an inch-perfect free kick onto the path of Jack Marriott to stab home with his right foot just before half-time.

The former Manchester United and D.C. United star was making his first appearance with the club since returning to English football from MLS last summer.

The 34-year-old Rooney played the full match, despite it being his first competitive game since October.

Elliot Simoes equalised for the visitors on 50 minutes but Martyn Waghorn ensured the points would stay with Derby seven minutes later with Rooney key in the build up.

"Wayne Rooney was important today. He showed it with his delivery [for the first goal] and his cross-field pass before the second goal," Derby manager Phillip Cocu told Sky Sports after the match.

Rooney said he was excited to get back on the pitch and was pleased to see Marriott convert his cross.

Wayne Rooney saw his first game action since October in Derby's 2-1 win over Barnsley on Thursday.
Getty

"It was frustrating [just] training with all the lads for so long. You can't beat that buzz of playing out there," he said to Sky Sports.

"Jack Marriott, if he hadn't scored his goal, he would have come in for a lot of stick from the players... The chances he had, you have to score them. Yes, it was a nice ball and a good finish from Jack."

Derby has now won back-to-back matches for the first time this season, having beaten Charlton 2-1 on Monday, but remain 17th in the table.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.