Derby's Wayne Rooney delivers verdict on Middlesbrough, when fans could return to the Riverside plus striker discusses loan move

We round up some of the latest stories concerning the Teessiders:

Rooney ready for Boro test

Derby are bottom of the Championship ahead of their trip to the Riverside.

A four-man management team consisting of Liam Rosenior, Shay Given, Justin Walker and Wayne Rooney have taken charge of the Rams after manager Phillip Cocu was sacked earlier this month.

When asked about facing Boro, captain and interim manager Rooney told the press: "I’ve played against Neil Warnock’s sides plenty of times.

“We know his side will work hard, and watching Middlesbrough, they go man to man a lot, and they can make it really difficult for you and it’s up to us to identify the weaknesses and exploit that."

Fresh boost for football fans

Football fans have been given fresh hope that they will soon be able to watch their side in action – but it will depend what tier the North East regions are placed into next week.

Up to 4,000 fans will be allowed to attend outdoor events in lowest-risk areas when England’s four-week lockdown ends on 2 December.

A maximum of 2,000 supporters will be allowed to attend matches in tier two areas but none will be present in tier three locations.

Boro were able to accomodate 1,000 fans at the Riverside during a trial event for their Championship game against Bournemouth in September.

The Teessiders will face Swansea at the Riverside when England’s four-week lockdown ends on Wednesday, 2 December.

Boro’s next home game will come against Millwall on Saturday, December 12.

Walker enjoying MK Dons loan spell

Finally, Boro striker Stephen Walker says he’s benefitting from a loan spell at MK Dons in League One.

The 19-year-old has made six league appearances since joining Russell Martin’s side in October, and scored his second goal for the club against Hull City on Saturday, despite a 3-1 defeat.

“It’s great. I can’t fault the lads,” Walker told MK Dons’ website after the match.

“All the staff have looked after me and made an effort with me and it means a lot.

“Obviously I love playing and I just want to try and contribute as much as possible.”

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