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Soccer

Rooney praises Ireland's Knight as he earns first win as manager

Wayne Rooney got his first win as a manager courtesy of a goal from Republic of Ireland internati...



Rooney praises Ireland's Knigh...
Soccer

Rooney praises Ireland's Knight as he earns first win as manager

Wayne Rooney got his first win as a manager courtesy of a goal from Republic of Ireland international Jason Knight on Saturday. 

Rooney took over as a part of the interim management team when Phillip Cocu was sacked in the middle of November.

The former Manchester United captain had no wins in his first four games as manager, overseeing Derby during losses against Bristol City and Middlesbrough and two 1-1 draws against Wycombe Wanderers and Coventry.

Knight scored the only goal of the game in the 69th-minute pouncing first onto a rebound from a Martyn Waghorn header.

Speaking to Rams TV after the match, Rooney praised Knight's role in his team's win.

"Knight gives you that, he gives you great energy all over the pitch," the 35-year-old said.

"He finds his way into the box, and, as I said, the ball dropped nicely for him so I'm really pleased for him."

The England all-time top scorer noted that his side had been improving week on week under his tenureship.

"The lads have been fantastic they are putting the work in and taking the information that we are giving them.

"So I am delighted for the players. It does give players a lift and they showed a great attitude in terms of work rate, winning second balls, headers.

"I said to the payers the last two games I've been really pleased with the performances. I thought Wyckham was good, I thought Coventry was better.

"I've been delighted with all of them."

In addition to Rooney's first win, the game was also marred by the behaviour of some Millwall fans who returned to The Den for the first time.

As players took the knee in support of Black Lives Matter prior to kick-off, an audible section of Millwall fans could be heard booing the gesture.

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Championship Derby Fc Jason Knight Wayne Rooney