Wayne Rooney’s tenure as interim manager at Derby County continued with a 0-0 draw against Brentford.
As the Manchester United legend attempts to haul the Rams up the Championship table, he’s helped shore up their backline as they gained a second consecutive clean sheet.
It’s small steps but the 35-year-old has already lifted the strugglers off the bottom of the division as they now sit 22nd.
Goals, though, are the big concern for Derby as they fight back from their dreadful start under former manager Phillip Cocu.
There have only been three goals for the Rams in Rooney’s four matches in charge, while prior to his temporary appointment they hadn’t netted in four matches.
But despite his side lacking a threat up top, England’s all-time top goalscorer told talkSPORT he hasn’t even considered lacing up his boots.
Speaking after the draw with Brentford, he insisted: “Do you know what? I haven’t even thought about playing while I have been doing this job.
“I said at the start, I’ve taken this role and I need to give it my full attention, my full time to managing this team, and that’s what I’ve done.
“If I’m being honest with you I haven’t even thought about putting my boots on and playing.”
And Rooney, who is backing himself for the job permanently, is incredibly happy with how his former teammates are responding to his management.
He added: “I think, as I said at the start of taking this role, I’m confident in my ability. I believe in myself in this job. If I didn’t I wouldn’t be standing here doing it.
“The biggest task was getting the players to believe in what we’re asking of them and the lads have done that.
“They have been great and as I say I’m delighted with the first four games and we need to keep improving, keep pushing on, and keep trying to pick up more points.
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