Hodgson: Rooney can handle media scrutiny

The Manchester United striker has been the subject of two rejected bids from Chelsea, with a third expected, and the England coach praised his ability to perform under pressure

England manager Roy Hodgson is confident Wayne Rooney can handle the media scrutiny surrounding a possible Manchester United exit.

Chelsea have had two bids for the striker rejected, and Jose Mourinho has called on Rooney to make his feelings clear regarding a move to Stamford Bridge.
But Hodgson, after including Rooney in his latest England squad, feels the high level of attention the 27-year-old has attracted during his career stands him in good stead ahead of the climax of the transfer window.

"I'm relieved for him most of all," he told reporters. "He's an important player, he's been a fantastic servant for a good number of years now to England.

"He's still got the burning ambition to do well for England in the future, so a fully fit and a match fit Wayne Rooney is important to the country, but it's also important to his club and it's important to Wayne himself because he's a man who loves to play football and he's the first on to the pitch and the last off it.
"I think Wayne Rooney has been under a lot of scrutiny since he was about 17 years of age, so if anyone is probably equipped to deal with scrutiny it is Wayne Rooney."

Rooney was the stand out performer as United drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday, and Hodgson praised the striker for maintaining his drive to perform in light of continued uncertainty.

He continued: "I'm sure David Moyes had no worries or concerns that he would do anything other than give his best and play to the very best of his ability [against Chelsea] just as I had no concerns he would do the same for us, because that is the nature of the man, that is the nature of the player and it's great when it comes off.

"I thought it came off for us during his 60 minutes and I thought it came off in spades [on Monday night] for Manchester United, so I was delighted for him and delighted for his club."

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