Wayne Rooney lashes out at Paul Scholes' criticism, gets support from David Moyes

Rooney in action for England

England striker Wayne Rooney has finally spoken out against his former team mate Paul Scholes’ harsh criticism of him and stated that he is ready to fire on all cylinders after scoring against the Honduras, which is his first international goal in eight months.

Scholes had previously given a damning report about Rooney on his Paddy Power blog and feared that the striker wasn’t the same player he was a few years ago.

Rooney doesn’t seem to be affected by Scholes’ words and pointed out that the former midfield mastero has been out of action for quite some time and only returned to the football scene in April at the behest of Manchester United’s interim manager Ryan GIggs.

“He’s been a team-mate but he’s been away from the first team for a long time,’ said Rooney. ‘I’ve seen a lot of people saying he’s coached me and been around the team but he hasn’t.

“I’m not really going to react. I’m not interested. He’s got his opinions so let’s leave it at that. To be honest I’m not really interested in what anyone else has got to say. I’m interested in what Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff here and the people around me say. People have their opinions but I don’t agree with them.”

Scholes’ comments caused quite a storm which was made worse by England boss Roy Hodgson when he decided to play Rooney on the left wing against Ecuador instead of his preferred central position. In spite of playing out of position Rooney, who missed the end of Manchester United’s season with a groin injury, got on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw against Ecuador.

“I can play in different positions,’ said Rooney. ‘I’ve proved I can play on the left over the years. The manager didn’t have to tell me what to do. I know how to play that role. I’ve played it many times and I’ve no problem doing that. He didn’t have to explain it to me.

“It is down to the manager. It’s not about me, it’s about the team. If the manager wants to play me up top, in behind, left, right, I’m happy to do that.

“I’m ready to play. I hope to play against Honduras. I’ve trained hard, I have no injuries or any recurrence of the groin strain I had at the end of the season. I always needed game time. I felt really good, especially in the heat. I’m sure the manager will have a tough decision but I’m ready.”

David Moyes, who managed Rooney at Everton and Manchester United, lent his support to the player.

The 51-year-old said: “He has to play. He has the ability to score, he has the mental strength to handle the games. In those games you look to your big players and Wayne will be a big player for England. But there is an awful lot of pressure being lumped on him, which isn’t right. England haven’t done particularly well in a lot of competitions, so no one should be expecting great things from them.

“To be a stand-out and make a difference in World Cup games is very hard. For me, Wayne would definitely start. He has the experience of past tournaments. I think he is in a better place than he was this time last year.

“He is playing well and his form has been good and I do think he has already come out and said he wants to have a good World Cup - you have to trust him and go with that. He will be determined to do well. He knows how important this is for him. Wayne will be desperate to show everyone what he can do.

“In his mind, he is strong and he will be determined to go out and show how good he is, with a determination to do the job. But you have to remember that the opposition can make it difficult for players as well. He will also need good service and good players around him. Wayne cannot make it happen all on his own.”

Rooney really needs to pull up his socks in this World Cup as he has failed to score in any of the previous tournaments.