England record goalscorer Wayne Rooney is set to return to England and kick off his coaching career with Championship outfit Derby County.
The former Manchester United and Everton forward departed DC United at the conclusion of the most recent Major League Soccer campaign, with his signing for the East Midlands club confirmed some months ago.
However, he is set to make his long-awaited return to English football this weekend as the Rams take on Queens Park Rangers. The 34-year-old could potentially be in the dugout on Saturday at Pride Park, a possibility that has been confirmed by current Derby boss Phillip Cocu.
He said: “I think so. He could be in the dugout. He had to plan his holiday break after the MLS season. He will be important for us because he is a natural leader and this is something we still struggle with.
“Reading the game, seeing what is necessary at moments and also verbally if somebody is not doing his job, getting everybody switched on.
“We don’t have to talk about him as a player, but his experience will be very important for a lot of the young players in the squad.”
Derby have been enduring an indifferent season so far throughout the 2019/20 campaign. Following a 3-0 defeat to Fulham in midweek, the club sit 13th in the table and five points off the playoff positions.
As a result, they are now not overly fancied to gain promotion to the Premier League this year at odds of 30/1 with Paddy Power.
HOT! Weekly cashback betting offers for different markets 
