LONDON, England: England manager Roy Hodgson has warned unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney that he risks losing his place in the national side if he is not playing regular first-team football.
Rooney is reportedly concerned about his position at United after falling behind Robin van Persie in the pecking order and the club have rejected two bids for him from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Hodgson said it would be difficult to continue selecting the 27-year-old if he was not playing regularly at club level.
“It’s always better for a national coach when their players are playing on a regular basis, especially if they’re playing well,” he said.
“It’s always a concern when players you count on for your national team are not getting a regular game in their club sides.”
Rooney was named in Hodgson’s squad for the friendly game against Scotland on Wednesday.
Hodgson has spoken to both the player and his United manager David Moyes, and says Rooney is “very keen” to play against Scotland despite his lack of match fitness.
The England manager also warned against expecting too much from Rooney at a time when his future remains unclear.
“You can’t divorce a person and the way a person feels from the way he plays. You sometimes forget that,” Hodgson said.
“But I would also say that Wayne Rooney’s discipline and the performances he’s given in the year and a bit I’ve been working with him have given me no concern,” he added. AFP
