Wayne Rooney is desperate to get back to playing with Derby as County believe they can gate-crash the play-offs.
Rams goalkeeper coach Shay Given admits the arrival of England and Manchester United's record scorer in January has transformed their season.
Phillip Cocu's side are now just five points off sixth in the Championship with the division on course to resume following the halt amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Given says no-one is keener to return than veteran Rooney, 34, who has been playing in midfield since signing from MLS side DC United.
Ex-Newcastle and Manchester City keeper Given, 44, said: “He is our captain, our leader and is a fantastic signing for Derby.
“But he is very humble as well and wants to get the team promoted and back in the Premier League with Derby.
“He wants to come to us to try and push us over the line to get to the promised land. What a great player and what a fantastic signing he has been.
“I have played against Wayne many times over the years but to have him in the same team is better.
“He has been brilliant since the moment he walked in. Even before January he was coming in the building to get fit and really hit the ground running.
“His professionalism and the way he goes about his business every single day is a joy to see.
“You see the young players looking up to him. He is the last one on the training pitch doing shooting practises or shooting drills.
“Whatever he is doing he is trying to improve still and has a presence around the place.”
Rooney has four goals in 15 appearances for Derby since joining as a player-coach on a contact until 2021 on a £100,000-a-week.
Last month Rooney helped Rams players' negotiations with the board over agreeing wage deferrals for three months.
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