England manager Roy Hodgson has backed Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to challenge for the FIFA Ballon d'Or again next year.
Rooney found himself left out of the 23-man shortlist for the 2014 edition of the world's most coveted individual award after failing to reach the 20-goal barrier last season.
"Those Ballon d'Or nominations come from all over the world and it's based on last season," Hodgson told The Mirror.
"So if you are playing in a team which has its problems and is regarded as unsuccessful, it's very difficult for you to get your name put forward.
"We'd all like him to be included in a year's time – because that would mean he had been a success for club and country."
The 29-year-old has struck three times in eight Premier League outings so far this season.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
