England's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney will make his debut for second-tier Derby against Barnsley on Thursday, the club's manager Phillip Cocu confirmed.
Rooney, 34, joined Derby as a player-coach from MLS side DC United but has been ineligible to play for his new side until January.
"If a player with the qualities, career and the experience of Rooney (is available) you have to be very happy and glad he is here," said Cocu after Monday's 2-1 home win over Charlton in the Championship.
"He's fit, he can start but he will need a few games. Expectation will be high when he starts playing but we have to give him a few games to build up his minutes and get in the team.
"So maybe not perfect from the start but it's important he will get in the team as soon as possible so we get a certain shape in our team."
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