Clough To Target Rooney Now Waggy Deal Dead?
Friday, 20th May 2011 13:22 by Daniel J Sewart

Leicester may have rejected the Rams bid for Martyn Waghorn but Nigel could now be in the market for a Rooney. Clough had a scout watch Adam Rooney on the weekend for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the SPL.

It seems that the Foxes either want to keep or at least want more money for Waghorn , their talented but rarely used livewire. If the Rams baulk at a rise in their bid or decide to look elsewhere it seems Scotland is one place Clough and his team are scouting heavily.

With strong rumours linking Derby to Kilmarnock Captain Craig Bryson and Aberdeen striker Chris Maguire, there is an increasing likelihood we will see a player make the move from the SPL to Pride Park.

RamZone takes the Scottish scouting fest even further after discovering that Clough has been looking at former Stoke City player Adam Rooney. This Rooney is no relation to Wayne or his clan but for a second time in twelve months Derby are linked with a player bearing the infamous surname.

Having netted 22 times for Inverness in the SPL including one in front of the Rams scout on Saturday, Rooney has attracted the attention various clubs. A report on ‘heraldscotland.com’ suggested that both Derby and Reading were in the stands to watch the 23 year old hit man last weekend.

Rooney has been in stunning form for Inverness this season and is showing much of the potential that originally attracted Stoke to sign the player as a youngster.

Despite becoming the youngest ever scorer of a hat-trick for Stoke in the 05/06 season at the age of 18, he was unable to cement a place in the first team. He found himself on loan at both Yeovil Town and Chesterfield before finally joining Inverness on a 3 year deal in 2008.

Since joining the Scottish Club, the Dublin born Irishman has been a prolific scorer for the club bagging 26 goals in 41 appearances during 09/10 and 22 in 42 this season.

Adam Rooney’s contract expired when the SPL season finished last week and although manager Terry Butcher is desperate to keep him it may be time to move back for a second shot at English football:

“I came up here to progress my career and I have done that, now I have to sit down and decide what my next move is. I will speak to my agent and see what my options are.”

It seems that DCFC scouts were watching a few targets in the SPL on the final day and likely that Rooney may have been one of them. He may be a more solid prospect than some having already had experience playing in England while maturing as a player since leaving.

A young improving striker with potential would be an exciting prospect but again most would argue he is not a proven goal scorer at this level – which is what most fans are hoping for. The player is also considered something of a penalty specialist which may be handy with Sav having retired we will need someone to step up to the spot.

Most Derby fans would never have thought they would possibly have the chance to wear the name ‘Rooney’ on their shirt. The merchandise arm of the club would rub their hands together should he be signed as most young Rams would never have thought they would get the opportunity!

Another positive is this Rooney seems to be a much nicer young man than his ultra successful namesake, which would please any stations providing TV coverage at Pride Park next season.

Oh and if he could score goals as well…. then that could also be a bonus!