Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard says what everyone is thinking about Wayne Rooney

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard claims Derby County manager Wayne Rooney is doing an 'incredible' job at Pride Park and hopes he can keep the Rams in the Championship.

Rooney has dealt with great adversity this season as Derby plunged into financial crisis.

The club have been in administration since September and were docked a total of 21 points with the threat of liquidation hanging over them.

But Derby are just four points from safety with 16 games left to play this Championship campaign.

His former England team-mate Gerrard is amazed at Rooney's achievements in his first role in management.

The Villa boss said: "For him to have Derby where they are, in his first job, is incredible.

"If he manages to pull a rabbit out of the hat and keep them in the league that will be one of the best jobs I've ever seen.

"That's not because he's a friend. It's an honest opinion from coach to coach. Every neutral wants to see the situation at Derby sorted out.

"It's for Wayne and the people around him to deal with it but as someone who respects him immensely, I would love to see him get the support he deserves and needs."