Wayne Rooney gets go ahead to wear No 32 shirt at Derby despite betting firm controversy

WAYNE ROONEY has got the green light from the FA to wear the No 32 shirt when he begins his Derby career next month.

Wembley bosses were put on the spot when Rooney was unveiled following his decision to leave DC United as his presentation shirt app- eared a full-on advertisement for club sponsors 32Red.

Anti-gambling bodies queried whether allowing the ex-England skipper to wear that number would be a breach of FA sponsorship regulations.

But the Rams are understood to have successfully argued that other players for teams sponsored by the bookies have worn 32 on their back.

FA beaks agreed Rooney will be following a precedent and that there was no reason for them to intervene.

Derby, meanwhile, have used Rooney’s image in their half-season ticket offer to fans in an attempt to bolster Pride Park gates.

Phillip Cocu's men currently sit in 14th spot in the Championship table - six points off the play-off spots and without a win since the opening weekend of the campaign.

Speaking to Rams TV, Rooney - who is looking to start against Barnsley on January 2 - said: "(I am) really looking forward to it. I've watched most of the games.

"It will be nice to get to Pride Park and meet the supporters. It's been a long time since it was announced that I'd joined the club, so it will be nice for me but also for the fans.

"Hopefully I can give the players and the fans a lift. It's always exciting when you join a new club but when you get to meet the fans for the first time, it will be a nice feeling.

"I've heard them at games singing my name and different things so I think it's great for all of us. Hopefully it can help us push on. It's an exciting time.

"It's great just to be back around all the lads and the frustrating part of it will be training all week and not playing at the weekend."