Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton says opposite number Wayne Rooney will benefit from an early “education” at Derby County.
The two men occupying the dugouts in tomorrow’s clash at Pride Park have contrasting levels of managerial experience.
Rooney is at the very beginning of his career on the touchline, having retired from playing to take charge of the Rams on a permanent basis earlier this year.
Much like Hughton at the City Ground, the England legend has overseen an upturn in fortunes, with both teams going into the meeting in good form.
“It’s a good start for him. It’s also a great education. This is an individual who has made a decision to stop playing, to go into management and has taken on a job that has had some difficulties,” Hughton said of Rooney.
“They are a team, similar to ourselves, that hadn’t been in the best form as regards picking up results and not being at the end of the table they would want to be.
“He’s not walked into what would be regarded as a more comfortable role.
“It will be a really good education for him.
“Apart from tomorrow, we wish him well.”
The Reds moved up to 16th in the Championship table following back-to-back 1-0 wins.
They are now 10 points clear of the relegation zone, and two places and two points above their fierce rivals.
Even though tomorrow’s meeting between the two sides will take place behind closed doors, Hughton says retaining composure is essential.
“It’s important to keep your head,” he said.
“These types of games are wonderful occasions, but they are games you want to win. And to win it, you’ve got to do it in a correct and structured manner.
“If you start doing things you don’t usually do, then that’s a recipe for failure - or if you get a red card early in the game because you got too carried away with the meaning of it.
“You have to play with clear heads, but it’s one you want to win.
“There isn’t one player who doesn’t know what this game means. We’ve spoken about it and discussed it in the meeting we’ve had.
“But it’s mostly about preparation to play against a team who are also in very good form at the moment.”
