Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has claimed the Chelsea's imminent appointment of Frank Lampard gives hope to other young British managers making their way in the game.
Lampard has had just one year's of managerial experience, where he led Derby County to the Championship Playoff final. Highlights of the Rams' season included beating Rooney's former team Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup.
The Chelsea legend has been the runaway favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge since the departure of Maurizio Sarri after just one season in charge. The Italian left to return to his home country and take over from Massimiliano Allegri at Serie A giants Juventus.
Derby have given the Blues permission to speak to the 41-year-old, with an announcement on his return to Stamford Bridge expected in the coming days.
Rooney, who has revealed he has had offers to manage clubs both in the USA and England, has said that Lampard's appointment will be a boost to players who aspire to go into management after retirement.
"I think it's brilliant for Frank, but also for any young English players, or players who've just finished playing, to see big teams like Chelsea giving Frank an opportunity to prove himself," Rooney said, as reported by the Evening Standard .
"I'm sure at some stage over the next few years Steven (Gerrard) will get that opportunity at Liverpool.
"Scott Parker, John Terry at Aston Villa - it's great for myself, who wants to go into management, to see these lads getting opportunities and it gives you hope that it will happen for you."
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