Morgan Whittaker's Derby County journey and why Wayne Rooney & Manchester United played a huge part

Derby County news: Morgan Whittaker has revealed how Man Utd and the Rams' current skipper Wayne Rooney played a big part in him signing for the club a decade ago

Morgan Whittaker's unlikely journey into Derby County first team started when, as a present for his eighth birthday, he met Wayne Rooney as a mascot in the club’s 2009 League Cup clash with Manchester United.

Whittaker, who has made his first-team breakthrough this season under current boss Phillip Cocu, has revealed that he cheekily asked - and got - a trial at Moor Farm.

He became one the academy’s most prolific goal scorers and made his debut earlier this season.

It all goes back to January 7, the day of Whittaker’s eight birthday, the moment that he stood in the tunnel of Pride Park in awe of Rooney as the Old Trafford legend breezed past him to make his way to the dugout.

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Now, of course, Rooney makes his way to the Derby dugout under very different circumstances: as a player/coach.

Though he is seldom seen sat on the bench - beside the club's most recent victory over Blackburn Rovers, Rooney had started every Championship fixture since his arrival in January.

Now, though, Whittaker is not standing in awe of England’s all-time leading goal scorer.

Instead, he is training and learning from him everyday in training. An experience he describes as surreal.

"It's quite funny actually because it all started when I was a mascot on my eighth birthday against Man United and that's how I got to sign for the club," he said.

"It's so surreal to think that I first met him as a mascot at that young age and now I get to train with him and learn off of him every day.

"I feel privileged that my career started that way."

That day was one worth remembering too, as the Rams beat the Premier League champions 1-0 with Kris Commons scoring the game’s only goal.

Whittaker has praised the impact Rooney has had on him and all the other young players in the squad.

"He's been great with us all - on and off the pitch," he added.

"He is such an influential voice on the pitch, not just in games but in training."

Whittaker was handed his Championship debut under Cocu against Hull City back in November and has since made 11 appearances for the club.