Wayne Rooney praises Ireland U21 star Festy Ebosele for his role in Derby County’s epic win over Sheffield United

WAYNE ROONEY hails Festy Ebosele’s participation as Derby County’s indispensable fight continues on Saturday.

The Rams climbed out of the Championship table for the first time in four months thanks to a 2-0 win over Sheffield United.

2

2

The win means that, despite a 21-point deduction due to involvement in management, Derby have moved ahead of Barnet and are now nine points safe.

The Ireland U21 star and Wexford-born Festy Ebosele went head-to-head in Derby’s latest landmark game.

The former Bray Wanderers prospect was involved in the second of Tom Lawrence’s two goals of the day, with a drive up midfield that ended with the assist for the Welshman to set up. Double kick.

Speaking after the game, Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney praised his team’s three points, and paid special tribute to the 19-year-old Irish full-back.

He said: “First goal, great run and composure. Great skill and finish.

“Second goal, great motivation from Festy. I feel if I can get him in the right place and high on the pitch, that’s what he delivers.

BET OFFER: FREE BETS AND BEST NEW CUSTOMER TRANSACTIONS

“A great hit from him to midfield and again, Tom with his left foot. What a great finish.”

To put Derby’s remarkable form into context, if they hadn’t suffered those 21 points, they would be 11th in the Championship, above Sheffield United, and just seven points ahead of the playoffs.

However, their never-ending fight from the brink may be in vain, with reports suggesting that Derby could EXPORT from Championship.

Rooney says he believes, if the behind-the-scenes issues are resolved, the Rams will complete their stunning escape and avoid relegation to League One.

“Being bottom of the table in January, after being deducted 21 points, is an achievement in itself.

“Like I said, I said it last week, maybe it’s a bit early now [but] I said I thought we’d stay, but unless everything is sorted out, it’s going to be extremely difficult.

“If it’s sorted out, I think we’ll definitely stay.”