Wayne Rooney is eligible to begin playing for Derby County from the start of the new year with the former Manchester United and Everton star having returned from the USA to take up a player/coach role with the Rams.
While beginning the latter part of the job already it has been a frustrating time for England’s record goalscorer as he has had to watch Derby, expected to be promotion candidates in the Championship, struggling at the wrong end of the table.
But a home game against Barnsley on Thursday evening is set to see Rooney make his long-awaited debut.
His return to the English game also continues the recent trend of experienced internationals opting for coaching and management roles and not settling for the TV studio or golf course despite their wealth.
Rooney told the BBC in November that seeing the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in high-profile managerial jobs and John Terry also involved was 'brilliant'.
"There has been a lack of former England players going into management in the last 10 to 15 years, said the 34-year-old.