Rooney rues missed caps

England striker looking to make up for lost time

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 10th October 2008

Wayne Rooney England striker

Rooney: Integral part of England set-up

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Wayne Rooney is disappointed not to have already passed the 50 cap mark for his country.

The Manchester United striker is set to make his 47th appearance for England against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

At just 22-years-old it is a remarkable achievement and should ensure that he becomes one of the youngest players ever to reach the half-century mark for the Three Lions.

However, with injuries and suspension having cost him a few more outings over the years, added to England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, Rooney is looking to make up for lost time.

"I am quite disappointed with my caps total," he said.

"I have missed games through suspension and injury when, if all had gone well, I might have had 60.

"I definitely feel I should have more than my current total."

Awards

Rooney, though, is not the kind of player to trouble himself in the pursuit of personal accolades.

While he remains an integral squad member for both club and country he admits that team success is more important to him than individual glory.

"It is right people like Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Lionel Messi should be up for these awards (World Player of the Year) and hopefully I can get there one day," he said.

"If I keep working and keep progressing, I would like to think I could at any rate. But it is not about me, it is about the team.

"I would rather win a trophy with the team than anything personal. I have always felt like that."

Role

Rooney is hoping he will be utilised as a support striker by Fabio Capello for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Belarus, a role he expects to fill regularly for United this season following the arrival of Dimitar Bebratov.

"More than anything I like to play just off a front man," he said.

"It is probably because I get on the ball more because I don't like to be out of the game too long.

"Some centre-forwards can stay up front, not touch the ball and just look to score goals. I don't really enjoy doing that. I like to be involved in the game.

"Mainly at United I have been used in different roles but maybe the fact Dimitar has arrived will bring some continuity to my game because it is the same type of thing I am used to with England."