WAYNE ROONEY is expected to make his first appearance in the Derby dugout this weekend.
The England legend, 34, signed an 18-month deal to become a player-coach in August before finishing his time in the MLS.
Ex-Manchester United star Roo’s DC United deal has now expired and he can be registered to play from January.
There is nothing to stop him taking up his coaching duties and his first chance could come as Derby host QPR on Saturday.
Phillip Cocu will welcome the new addition as he looks to overcome a poor start which has seen his play-off-chasing side slump to 13th.
The Rams lost their third match in five league outings with a heavy 3-0 defeat at Fulham last night.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 13th goal of the season, with Bobby Reid and Tom Cairney also on target.
And Cocu admitted: “It’s not good enough, because if we can avoid conceding from set-pieces, we’d have many more points than we have at the moment.
“After six minutes, the set-piece, I have to see it back, but I think it’s a mistake.
“Then they had what they wanted. They were leading so they didn’t really need to [attack].
“They tried to get us out and then they play in that strength with Mitrovic, so they can play the short game, get some midfielders out of position, then play direct. They’re difficult to stop.”
