Wayne Rooney's unveiling at Derby County in apparent partnership with a betting firm was branded "crass" last night by one of the key figures behind Britain's current gambling laws.

The Daily Telegraph had revealed on Monday how the former Manchester United and England captain was in-line for a sensational return to English football in a player-coach role working under manager Phillip Cocu.

However, excitement around his announcement by the Championship club was undermined by news he will wear the number 32 shirt when he joins in January as part of the club’s partnership with 32Red.

Derby owner Mel Morris defended the betting firm tie-in, saying he was keen to "leverage Wayne’s involvement". He added: "Obviously, the commercial opportunities this creates are widespread and significant."

But Richard Caborn, the former minister who helped mastermind the 2005 Gambling Act which led to billions of pounds in investment from betting firms, said the partnership was embarrassing.