Is it likely Derby County boss Wayne Rooney could come out of retirement to kill Sheffield Wednesday survival bid?

Because with two matches left in a safety push that has limped its way towards a possible last day shootout with Sheffield Wednesday, fans of Derby County are beginning to weigh up the potential merits of a return to the playing squad for former Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney

The Rams boss initially acted as player-manager at Pride Park after the sacking of Phillip Cocu but announced his retirement from playing back in January when he was full-time appointment was confirmed.

He would technically be eligible to play in the final two games as he is still registered with the EFL as a Derby player.

But despite widespread injury problems in the Derby squad and a consistent issue with scoring goals, Rooney has always resisted any notion of a comeback in the strongest possible terms, often commenting on his trust in the squad he has and how it is the turn of a new generation of players to get the job done.

Derby remain the lowest scorers in the division.

Having looked to be peeling away from the relegation scramble, Rooney’s side have won one of their last 13 matches and have lost their last five, including blowing a 1-0 lead against Birmingham this weekend.

The run leaves them in a perilous position, fourth-bottom and just four points clear of drop zone pairing Rotherham United and Wednesday. Rotherham have two games in hand, meaning the Millers are the only side in control of their own fate.

The Owls take on Derby’s bitter rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday before that final day trip to Derby knowing that they can leapfrog Rooney’s side if they head there within three points of the Rams.

The two sides have the same goal difference, though as it stands Wednesday’s is more superior owing to their 37 goals scored to Derby’s 32.

Derby make the trip to Swansea on Saturday before that last day clash.

Rotherham have matches at Brentford, at home to Blackburn, at Luton and at Cardiff to contend with.

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