Mac: Rooney to explode

Wayne Rooney is ready to 'explode' against Macedonia, according to Steve McClaren.

Wayne Rooney is ready to 'explode' against Macedonia, according to England coach Steve McClaren.

Manchester United forward Rooney has endured an indifferent start to the new season as he searches for form and fitness.

Since returning from a three-match suspension, the 20-year-old has looked a shadow of his usual self and it has prompted criticism from certain areas.

McClaren has shrugged off any concerns about Rooney's form and feels Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Macedonia could be just the game the player needs.

"He's a delight to work with, I've always said that," McClaren told a press conference live on Sky Sports News.

"It's great to have him back in the squad, he's bubbly and can't wait to play.

"Wayne is just a footballer and if you get him on a training pitch, or in front of a crowd, he just wants to play football and we're giving him the platform to do that.

"There's been much criticism about Wayne Rooney and his form, and yes, he's not got back into the rhythm.

"But that's understandable due to the amount of games he has played over the last six months, which hasn't been many. He's had injuries, a suspension, but Wayne Rooney will explode on the scene, don't worry, and we just hope it's tomorrow.

"Wayne Rooney will always be scrutinised in every detail with every thing he does, so if he mis-controls the ball he will be criticised.

"It's part and parcel of being a footballer, a world-class footballer. He's a great young talent, and a young talent that can get better, needs to get better and wants to get better.

"That's the great strength of Wayne Rooney. He is a great asset to the team and a great asset to the squad."

Rooney's outing at Old Trafford will be his first since McClaren took charge of the England team, but the coach feels the other players have proved they can cope without the former Everton starlet.

He added: "Without Rooney, we've just played three games and we've won three games, so yes we can (play without him).

"Can we be without Owen Hargreaves? We are going to have to do that, being without Michael Owen, we've done that.

"You haven't always got your first XI on the field all the time and that's where the squad is so important and they come into it, and we'll need that tomorrow."

McClaren was also full of praise for Rooney's likely strike partner against Macedonia - Peter Crouch - who has been in sparkling form for England.

He concluded: "He's come into the England team and he's grown, he's blossomed and matured, and is scoring goals.

"He is doing his job, is leading the line well and he's done that in every game."