Rooney - Bentley like Beckham

But midfielder wants to be his own man

Last updated: 8th February 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rooney - Bentley like Beckham

Bentley: Wants to be his own man

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Wayne Rooney has compared David Bentley to a 'young David Beckham' following the midfielder's England display against Switzerland.

Bentley impressed with his range of passing in the 2-1 Wembley win as the Blackburn Rovers man staked his claim to be Beckham's long-term successor on the right.

And international team-mate Rooney believes the former Arsenal youngster has the credentials to become a fixture in the England side.

"I think David Bentley did really well," said Rooney. "He is like a young David Beckham - the vision and the confidence he has is brilliant.

Brilliant

"You see the way Becks has played over the years, he has been fantastic for England.

"I am sure he still can be, but if you see Bentley, he is always looking for options. The way he plays with vision, his crossing and always finding players is brilliant.

"He provided the perfect delivery, created chances. As a striker, that's all you can ask for."

Meanwhile, Bentley expressed his wish to step out of Beckham's shadow and 'make a name' for himself on the international stage.

Squashed

Bentley said: "I admire David Beckham. I grew up watching him and he is a legend in English football. But I'm myself.

"I'm at the start of my England career and I just have to work as hard as Beckham did to try and get to the level he did - and hopefully further.

"Only time will tell, but if I am honest and true to myself and keep performing, hopefully one day I'll get there.

"I get asked what it is like to be judged against Beckham, but that's football. You are always compared to another player. You squash things like that. You become your own man and you see what the future holds.

"With the more games I play, the more internationals I play, I'll be making a name for myself."