Rooney on target in 500th English league appearance

LONDON (Reuters) – Wayne Rooney marked his 500th game in English league football with a coolly-taken Panenka-style penalty for Derby County in their 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Championship on Friday. The 34-year-old ex-England and Manchester United captain, who made his debut for the Midlands club earlier this month after returning from a playing stint in the United States, cleverly chipped in a 55th minute penalty for the lead. “I’m always nervous before penalties. I’ve never done that (a Panenka-style penalty) in my career,” he told Sky Sports. “I know goalkeepers study penalties so I tried something different and thankfully it went in.” Rooney signed an initial 18-month deal at the second-tier side where he will also work as a coach as he chases his dream of being a manager. Williamson, shakes off, injury, New Zealand, move, strong position. “There are still more games to come,” he said. “I feel fine, I’m still enjoying the game. It’s 500 appearances but I’ll celebrate when I stop playing.” The draw left Fulham in third place, two points outside the automatic promotion places, while Derby are stuck in mid-table.