Wayne Rooney has referred to 'Notts Forest' ahead of Derby County's clash against the Reds on Friday night - and Rams fans believe it is a ploy to wind-up their arch-rivals.
The two clubs go head to head at Pride Park where Derby are looking to secure their first league victory over Forest since 2017, when Matej Vyrdra and David Nugent were on the scoresheet for Gary Rowett's side.
A victory against Forest has proved elusive for the Rams since, with seven games passing and only two goals scored against Chris Hughton's side in those meetings.
The Reds are currently in excellent form too having registered a 1-0 win at Rotherham in midweek which followed victory over Blackburn by the same scoreline last weekend.
Rooney has been conducting media duties in the build-up to the game and has mentioned 'Notts Forest' when referring to the club, something Rams fans have picked up on.
Referring to the club by that name has been known to irk those of a City Ground persuasion with Notts County adopting the 'Notts' name across the River Trent.
A case of mistaken identity from Rooney or some early gamesmanship? Either way Rams fans are loving it.
"Liking the way Rooney is referring to tomorrow night’s opposition as ‘Notts Forest’," one said.
Another added: "Love to see it Wayne, onto Notts Forest."
"Rooney rattling them lot calling them Notts Forest hahahahahaha my manager," a third supporter said.
"The fact he calls them Notts Forest to try and wind them up is my favourite thing ever," another adds.
A fifth fan said: "On the wind up calling them Notts Forest. Love to see."
Ahead of the game, Rooney said Derby's mindset is no different despite the magnitude of the game.
"There's no need for any extra motivation or to change how we work. The prep is the same, the messages are the same," said Rooney
"The one thing I don't want to do is try and do something different before such an important game."
