Derby County coach Wayne Rooney admits having Ravel Morrison around the first team has been a blessing.

The former Manchester United youth star is spending time on trial at the Championship outfit ahead of the 2021-2022 season.

Rooney's Derby have a transfer embargo that means only short term loans and free transfers can come into the team.

Despite the 28-year-old's poor reputation within the game, Rooney had good things to say about Morrison.

"I think with Ravel, he's very misunderstood," Rooney told reporters after a 2-1 loss to Manchester United, per the Daily Mirror.

"His ability is clear for everyone to see. Since he's been with us, the standards in training have gone up.

"There's things he does on and off the ball that I can recognise immediately. That's where he's brought the levels up in training.

"He showed some nice touches on the pitch against United but we need to remember he hasn't played for a very, very long time.

"So it was natural that physically he was going to tire."