Rooney looks to work ethic

Wayne Rooney believes his hunger to work hard is appreciated by football fans.

Wayne Rooney believes his hunger to work hard is a prime factor in being appreciated by football fans.

The Manchester United ace's talent has quickly seen him become one of the most influential players in The Premiership, as well as for England.

He is expected to be the driving force behind England's World Cup challenge this summer, but Rooney does not feel it is his ability that marks him out as a role model.

Rooney reckons his desire to play football and his willingness to work hard mean his contribution on the pitch is acknowledged by the supporters.

"When I was a kid, I used to just love playing and practising and just playing football really," Rooney told Sky Sports News.

"I really used to enjoy it, so I used to want it, want it bad and that's why I'm where I am at the moment.

"For any young kid to do that, they will have a chance.

"People say I play with my heart. To me, that means they see the work ethic I put in to football. I work hard and try 110 percent each game.

"You've got to do that. The fans see that and they appreciate that."

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson also believes Rooney will be remembered for his heart after comparing him to some recent United legends.

Ferguson said: "I've been very, very fortunate that I have had some great players with wonderful heart.

"The names roll off the tongue - Cantona, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane, Bryan Robson. Now we have got this wonderful kid Rooney.

"I think, when you sum it all up, you can talk about his skill, his pace, his ability to beat a man, but the thing that always comes out is because he's got a heart to do it."