World Cup 2014: Wayne Rooney hits back at critic Paul Scholes

Wayne Rooney has hit back at critic Paul Scholes after ending his eight-month England goal drought - insisting he is fit and hungry to play in Saturday’s final World Cup warm-up game against Honduras.

Scholes claimed that Rooney is a fading force who faces being dropped for the World Cup.

But Rooney has pointed out that his former Manchester United team-mate has been little more than a peripheral figure at the club recently - only returning to the coaching staff when Ryan Giggs was made caretaker boss in April.

‘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 opened a debate which was fuelled when Roy Hodgson decided to play Rooney on the left wing against Ecuador on Wednesday.

Rooney, who missed the end of the Barclays Premier League season with a groin problem, is the only outfield player to start both of England’s warm-up games.

He scored their opener in the 2-2 draw with Ecuador in Miami, his first international goal since October.

‘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.’