Football:- Rooney Should return Soon!

Wayne's comments were very honest and should be applauded... there should be more of that McClaren on Rooney

England v Estonia
Wembley Stadium
Saturday, 13 October
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Live coverage on BBC One, BBC HD, BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website

England coach Steve McClaren insists he is untroubled by striker Wayne Rooney's goal drought at international level.

Rooney has not scored since Euro 2004 in a competitive game for England and has admitted he has not shown his best form for his country for two years.

However, he will partner Michael Owen against Estonia in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier and McClaren said: "Wayne's lack of goals does not worry me.

"All I want him to do is keep playing the way he has at Manchester United."

News conference: Steven Gerrard

Interview: England manager Steve McClaren

Interview: England striker Michael Owen

Rooney has missed the last five England games due to suspension and injury but the 21-year-old said he was hoping to rediscover his form at international level.

"My England career started well but it hasn't really been on track for the last year or two," he said.

"I've been frustrated with my form but it's not through lack of effort. It just makes me more determined to put it right and start scoring again."

McClaren added: "Wayne's comments were very honest and should be applauded.

"It's refreshing for a player to say he's disappointed with his own performance. There should be more of that.

"But he's not really played regularly enough to have an opportunity.

"He's still very inexperienced and he's still very young. He has the potential to be a world-class player and knows what he has to do to realise it.

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"I just want him to continue to be the threat we all know Wayne Rooney can be."

McClaren also assuaged fears Owen does not like playing alongside Rooney.

The Newcastle striker's minutes-per-goal ratio falls to 201 minutes alongside the United forward, compared to 82 minutes when Owen partners Emile Heskey.

"There are a few explanations but the whole issue is hypothetical because Emile is not fit," said McClaren.

"The key thing is I'm excited at having Michael and Wayne in the same team and I believe we'll see that they can score goals together."

Another selection dilemma for McClaren is in midfield, with the fit-again Frank Lampard vying with Gareth Barry for a role alongside captain Steven Gerrard.

Barry was given the nod after injuries to Lampard and Owen Hargreaves and complemented Gerrard perfectly as England dominated both games.

It's one of the toughest decisions to make this week England boss Steve McClaren

Lampard and Gerrard have struggled to form a partnership when they have played together, but Gerrard says he is happy to play with either man.

McClaren has admitted he faces a difficult decision, as Lampard has not been left out of a competitive international when fit since October 2003 when England drew 0-0 in Istanbul.

"The Barry and Lampard decision is a massive one, but it's a good position to be in," said McClaren.

"They are two players who have performed well - Frank consistently over two or three years, Gareth in the last two games.

"The team is the most important thing, not individuals and I think all the players understand that.