Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Rk’s young oalscoring on spurred ng for club ueman dad
earning a pro deal in England is the ultimate ambition.
He spent more than half his young life at Plymouth Argyle, joining at the age of nine and coming through the club’s scholarship and apprenticeship schemes, which included a Milk Cup appearance, before eventually making his breakthrough in that unforgettable debut two years ago. Alas, he was to make just two more senior appearances for his hometown club before he was loaned out – first to Conference side Truro and then Hartlepool – the last of which proving a memorable swansong as he came off the bench in a glamour FA Cup replay against Liverpool.
“I think that’s everyone’s goal in football [to play professionally] but for myself, I’m taking it day by day, I’m not looking too far ahead and just want to get myself fully settled here,” he said. Indeed, his new status as first team regular is a morale-booster for Rooney after spending his formative years at Home Park either farmed out on loan or on the periphery of the first team squad.
In what amounts to a huge vote of confidence, Rooney has already been handed spot-kick duties by Healy – dispatching his first one last Friday night – with the new darling of Windsor determined to repay his manager’s faith.
“Obviously I would love to take the penalties but I actually wasn’t going to take it on Friday night but the gaffer was the one who decided I was going to take the penalties,” explained Rooney.
“He has gave me that responsibility so I’m glad I put it away.
“I’m not used to playing much football every week but now I’m here, I want to get over the 20 mark.
“I think I will just take it one game at a time but I feel the more goals I get the better I will get and hopefully I can stay up there with the top goalscorers in the Premiership.”