Roofe brings goal-scoring knowhow to Rams - Eustace

Derby County boss John Eustace says Kemar Roofe is an experienced striker capable of making an immediate impact - even though he will be used sparingly to start with.

The 32-year-old former Rangers and Leeds United forward has joined the Championship relegation battlers on a deal until the end of the season.

He has not featured in a competitive match in more than nine months, having been released by Scottish Premiership side Rangers last summer.

Roofe scored just twice in 24 appearances in his final season at Ibrox, having been limited to just six appearances in the 2022-23 season before that because of knee injuries.

"He has had a lot of injury problems in the past couple of seasons, but he is fit now and hungry," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

"We are going to have to manage him properly. He will come in and play a small part initially and let's see where we can get to with him.

"If he can help for the short-term with 10-15 minutes and pop a couple of goals in, that would be great."

Roofe became Eustace's first signing since he left his job as Blackburn Rovers boss to take the helm of Derby a week ago.

The striker was brought in soon after to start training with the Rams.

"He trained on Monday and Tuesday and did enough to show everyone that he can still put the ball in the back of the net, which is what it's all about," Eustace said.

"He will be involved. Ultimately he knows where the goal is and he can put the ball in the net.

"I'm not stupid enough to think that he can come in and start and run channels and press high and all that, but his experience and knowhow is there for everyone to see."