Wayne Rooney has vowed to fight his way back from criticism and the bench, with recent setbacks only making the England captain more determined to prove he is anything but finished.

No longer the rapid, lung-busting striker that captivated as a teenager, he is having to adapt to the changes that come with being an attack-minded player in their thirties.

It is a difficult transition exacerbated by the scrutiny of the wider footballing world, leading Rooney's place in the line-up -- never mind his role -- to be inspected like never before.

Some have gone as far as to suggest the 30-year-old is not only past his prime but past it altogether -- talk that inspires rather than dissuades the England and Manchester United captain.

"No," Rooney retorted when asked if his career was coming to an end after being dropped to the bench for three straight club matches..... ‹‹‹ read more ››› www.sportblitznews.com