Rooney pleased with Derby point

A measured Wayne Rooney declared himself happy with Argyle’s point on the road at Derby County, to turn this week of action into a four-point week.   

Derby went ahead early on thanks to a spectacular overhead kick by Jerry Yates, but Argyle equalised before half-time through Adam Randell’s deflected direct free-kick.   

The Rams threatened more than their visitors during the game, but Argyle defended resolutely and, on occasions, saw moments to try to pinch a goal that would have given them a first away win of the season.   

As it was, a point was probably what the Greens deserved, and is a positive return, especially following a win over Portsmouth on Tuesday night, but Rooney still retained a sense that he would have liked for his team to push for a victory a little more.  

“We wanted to try and win the game, and I felt the game was there for us to do that,” said Rooney. “We were getting the ball down and moving it. We were getting into good areas, but we were a little bit wasteful and a little bit sloppy at times with that.  

“Derby County's home form has been excellent this season, so we know it's a very difficult place to come. Going a goal down early on was really frustrating because we knew one of their big strengths is that they're the best in the league at scoring from set-pieces, so that was disappointing. 

“I think, after that, we dug in on set-pieces and defended well.  We had an element of control of the game at times. The last 20 minutes was difficult; we had to show really good character to hang in there and we've done that. Overall I'm pleased with the point.   

“They made a change [in the second half], went to a back five and went a bit more aggressive. We didn't adapt well enough to that, so we had to show good character and desire to stay in the game then.”  

Rooney made four changes ahead of the match, bringing in the trio of Michael Obafemi, Mustapha Bundu and Callum Wright, who all impacted the game as substitutes when Argyle beat Portsmouth four days previously, as well as bringing in Adam Randell, who had missed the previous couple of game through injury.  

Randell not only returned but scored and wore the captain’s armband in a typical all-action performance in the Argyle midfield.  

“Rands is a fantastic player; a really important player to us,” Rooney said. “He was the captain of the team today as well. It was a race to get him fit, but we managed to get there with him. I'm delighted he's got 90 minutes in as well.   

“There was an element of luck with his goal as well, but sometimes you try things and get that luck, so I was pleased with him, happy with his performance and obviously his goal. 

“We tried to cause them problems with Michael and Callum making runs beyond, and then Morgan [Whittaker] and Moose coming into number 10 positions to cause some problems. We got in some good areas and then it was that last pass where we were a little bit sloppy. If we can do that a little more, get that a little bit better, I think we create more chances.  

“I thought they'd give us good energy. They were a threat at times for us today. I was pleased with them.” 

Almost 2,000 Argyle fans made the journey to Pride Park, in the hope of seeing a victory on their travels for the first time this season. They had to make do with a draw but showed their appreciation for that committed performance at the final whistle.  

Rooney, in turn, had words of praise for the Green Army.  

He said: “The fans, the support they've shown the lads is fantastic. It's incredible really, to travel again, to come here, spend the money again and get right behind the players. It's no secret our away form hasn't been great this season, but thankfully we've given them something to go home with.  

“The performance was okay; it can be better. We've had worse this season away from home, but to go away with a point, I'm sure they'll have taken that before the game.”