Rooney backed to break records

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Roy Hodgson backed Wayne Rooney to re-write the England history books after watching the striker's brace against Scotland at Celtic Park.


Rooney became the third-highest scorer in England's history after scoring his 45th and 46th goals in the 3-1 victory in east Glasgow.

Few would back against Rooney reaching Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals by the end of the season.

Peter Shilton's record of 125 England caps is also within reach and Hodgson has little doubt the player will achieve both milestones sooner rather than later.

"Records and milestones are important," the England coach said.

"It must be nice for him to think he'll see his name at the top of the list, and a record number of caps is in his sight too.

"He must keep his fitness, but he won't be the first one to retire from football.

"He did terrifically well tonight, but many players took responsibility out there."

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Rooney himself is not thinking too much about records at the moment.

He is just savouring his role in a morale-boosting win for England, who have now won six matches in a row.

"It is fantastic as a footballer to play in these games," Rooney said.

"We knew it would be a big atmosphere and to be honest we expected to win the game.

"We are a better team and we showed that tonight. It was a fantastic victory against a Scotland team in good form. It's a great win.

"I'm enjoying my football. I've always loved playing for England, I'm on a good run of goals and I hope that continues. If that means I break the record then I'll be delighted."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also found the net in the 112th meeting of international football's oldest rivals, which was played out amid a ferocious atmosphere at Celtic's home in east Glasgow.

England rarely looked in trouble and Fraser Forster, back on his old stomping ground, had to wait until the 55th minute to make a save.

The only downside for England was the fact that many of the 5,000 supporters in the away end sang foul-mouthed anti-IRA songs, which is a problem for the Football Association, particularly when the Three Lions are due to play in Dublin next June.

The England fans sang "F*** the IRA" on several occasions and in the first half, an FA official contacted the band to ask them to desist in providing the tune for the chant.

Hodgson was unaware of the song, but apologised for any offence on behalf of the FA.

He said: "I was aware the crowd were tremendously supportive. I didn't have a clue what they were chanting.

"I don't condone it. If anyone was offended, I'm sure the FA would like to apologise to them.

"All we can do is play our football and be grateful for the support and hopefully they will behave themselves and not get themselves into a situation where their chanting is being criticised."