Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has acknowledged that he has entered a "new period" of his career after losing his starting role for both club and country.
After a number of below-par performances, Rooney has found himself on the substitutes' bench for United and England, but the skipper of the Old Trafford outfit and the Three Lions has said that he is up for the challenge of regaining his place in both sides.
The 30-year-old told the Manchester Evening News: "I'm 31 next week, I've got a lot of football left.
"I've started through all my career, this is a new challenge, it is a new period, of course I want to play – I just have to keep working and get into the team and I'm sure my chances will come and then it is up to me to take them."
Rooney's only start since September 24 came in England's 2-0 win over Malta, but he is expected to be recalled to the United side for the Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday night.
Darren Plant
