Capello confidence in Rooney

Italian believes striker can become 'one of the best'

Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Rooney Wayne England v USA

Rooney: International frustration

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

England manager Fabio Capello is confident striker Wayne Rooney will become 'one of the best in the world'.

Despite playing a pivotal role as Manchester United won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League last season, Rooney's performances at international level have come in for criticism.

The 22-year-old has struggled to recreate his club form for England over recent years since bursting onto the scene in the 3-1 defeat to Australia at Upton Park in 2003.

However, Capello - who has now taken charge of England on four occasions since landing the manager's job in January - insists there is no need to rush Rooney.

"I believe that Rooney has a very good chance of becoming truly one of the best in the world," Capello told FourFourTwo.

Improve

"He's still young and will have lots of chance to improve.

"I think we shouldn't be in a hurry. The problem is this, England play only a few games and so everyone remembers everything about these matches.

"For your club you play maybe 59 or 60 times a year, so everyone forgets those occasions when you don't play well - you might play badly on the Saturday, then do well again the Wednesday after.

"But when you play for England you have to wait a couple of months to get another chance.

"I've seen Rooney play with United many times. I've seen him play lead striker, right wing, left wing, sometimes right-back.

"So for this reason I would accept Rooney in any role on the field."