3/1 To Win
Wayne Rooney is calling for a reaction from his Derby County players after tasting back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.
Derby have been on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline, at home to Blackburn Rovers and away to Barnsley, in their last two Sky Bet Championship outings.
Rooney accepts that defeats are part and parcel of football, but he was particularly irked by the manner of the loss at Barnsley.
Derby led in the first half through Sam Baldock, but the hosts hit back either side of half time to pick up all three points in South Yorkshire.
Rooney was not happy with the Rams’ performance on the night - and he wants a positive reaction with they head to Millwall on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The Den is a place that holds happy memories for Rooney after he recorded the first win of his managerial career at Millwall last season with Jason Knight scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory.
The meeting with Gary Rowett’s side is Derby’s final fixture before the two-week international break and Rooney wants to go into it on a high note.
“We need to show a positive reaction,” Rooney told RamsTV.
“I think everyone knows that Wednesday night wasn’t good enough, result and performance wise, so it’s a big game for us.
“It will be a tough game at Millwall, so we have to be ready and try to get three points.
“I’m excited for the game. I know it will be a good atmosphere down there and it’s exciting. I’m ready, the players have to be ready and we have to stand up to the challenge.”
He added: “The group have been good in their reaction since the Barnsley game. I spoke to them this morning and they have been really positive. I expect a positive reaction and I’m sure I’ll get that.”
“You can win or lose games, but there is a manner of how you lose a game and Wednesday night wasn’t good enough so it’s a big game for us going into the international break.”
Derby will have influential midfielder Graeme Shinnie available again after he sat out the loss at Barnsley as a result of picking up five bookings this season.
Shinnie’s return is countered by the loss of Ravel Morrison, who must also serve a one-game ban, but Rooney is pleased to have the Scotsman back in the fold for the clash with the Lions.
“We missed Graeme Shinnie on Wednesday night,” he said. “He’s a key player for us and brings a lot of energy to the team, as well as a lot of quality so I’m pleased to have him back.
“Ravel Morrison is obviously suspended now and we will miss him of course but we have quality players to come into the side.”
He concluded: “What Graeme Shinnie is an honest player. He gives everything in every game but also what he has added to his performance over the last year certainly is a lot of quality.
“He’s got better with the ball and he’s a very important player. He gives us balance in midfield.”
