3/1 To Win
Wayne Rooney was impressed with Derby County’s solidity and discipline as a team as they claimed a 0-0 draw at Brentford on Wednesday night.
The game at the Brentford Community Stadium ended all-square following an action-packed encounter in West London.
Both sides rattled the woodwork in an open second half, with Kamil Jozwiak coming the closest for the Rams as his low shot rebounded off the post midway through the second period.
Brian Mbeumo and Josh Dasilva were both denied by the woodwork for the hosts as the Rams stood firm to keep back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season.
The point on the road means Derby are unbeaten in four matches, winning one and drawing four, as they gradually begin to make their way up the Sky Bet Championship table.
Tricky away trips to Millwall and Brentford have provided a healthy return of four points and two clean sheets and Rooney, who is leading the Rams while the search for a permanent manager continues, is convinced the side are moving in the right direction.
Speaking to RamsTV after the final whistle, Rooney said: “I think the key was the discipline.
“Brentford have a lot of movement and they make it really difficult for you. The performance, the team shape and the discipline that we showed was very pleasing.
“On another day we might have nicked it as well, but to come here and get a point is a very good point for us.
“There were a few stoppages in the game, but those things happen in football, of course, and the lads kept their concentration and the focus and saw the game out. I think overall a point here keeps that momentum with us.”
Experienced defender Curtis Davies was carried off on a stretcher with an injury in the second half.
The centre-back looked in some discomfort and Rooney says he will need to be assessed by Derby’s medical team in the coming days to discover the extent of the problem.
Rooney explained: “Curtis is obviously in getting assessed at the minute so I think over the next day or two we will assess him fully and see where Curtis is at, but it doesn’t look too good.
“It is a blow as he has done really well for us. I brought him into the team for his experience and today unfortunately for him, and for us, he has picked up an injury.
“I hope it’s not too bad as we fear, but it doesn’t look good and it is a chance now for someone else to come in and stake their claim in that spot.”
Academy graduate Kornell McDonald came on in Davies’ place and slotted in at right-back, with Andre Wisdom moving to the heart of the backline.
McDonald is the latest player from the club’s youth set-up to make his senior bow. "
Rooney said: “I am delighted for Kornell. He has trained well, he was pushing to start the game and I think as you have seen that I have no fear in throwing the lads in and in a big game like this as well.
“I thought he came on into the game and did really well for us.”
Derby return to Sky Bet Championship action at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday against Stoke City (3pm kick-off).
