Derby boss Wayne Rooney has explained turning down the chance to interview for the Everton job.

Rooney came through the youth ranks at Everton and celebrated a year in charge of Derby County last month as they beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Pride Park.

"I have been here now for over three years as player and manager and you build relationships up with players, first of all as team-mates, then as manager, and with staff," Rooney told the Mail on Sunday.

"Everything I am asking of those players in terms of hard work, honesty, trust, commitment…if I was just to turn round and say 'I have had an offer, I'm off', I honestly couldn't do that to the players and the staff.

"I could see once Benitez was sacked and my name was getting linked with Everton that the staff were down and they were scared that if I left, where did that leave the club.

"I know they have been looking to me to try and help rebuild this club.

"I spoke to the staff and said, 'I am stood in front of you and I am with you. Whatever is being said out there, I am with you'. I think that was big for them."