Steven Gerrard hails 'incredible' job done by Wayne Rooney at Derby

Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to Wayne Rooney as his fellow England great fights to keep crisis-torn Derby in the Championship.

Rooney has somehow hauled the Rams – in administration since September – to within four points of safety, even though they have had 21 points docked this season and have the threat of liquidation hanging over them.

Gerrard and Rooney have a strong friendship from their days playing in the national side and the former Liverpool skipper, currently in charge of Aston Villa, is amazed at Rooney's achievements in his first role in management.

'For him to have Derby where they are, in his first job, is incredible,' said Gerrard. '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.'

Derby have still to name a preferred bidder, with administrators Quantuma given until the end of the month to prove they have the funds to ensure the club complete the season.

Former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is one of three interested parties but the process has dragged, not least because of unresolved compensation claims made by Middlesbrough and Wycombe.

Derby travel to Middlesbrough this weekend with relations between the clubs as hostile as ever, amid forthright statements from Boro chairman Steve Gibson and former Rams owner Mel Morris.