Derby County player-coach Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to Everton hero Dave Watson.

Rooney admits he learned from watching Watson as Everton club captain.

He wrote for the Sunday Times: "The first Everton captain I watched was Dave Watson. He seemed all heart and passion, someone who was going to fight for you and when you're young that's all you think it's about — leadership on the pitch.

"As I matured as a professional I realised there was much more to the job.

"You're the bridge between the players and the manager, the players and the staff, the team and the press. Your value as a skipper boils down to your relationships. I put all my effort into those."