'If you're good enough, you'll get a chance' insists Rooney

WAYNE Rooney will be prepared to give first team opportunities to young players at Plymouth Argyle if they prove to him they are good enough.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

Rooney famously made his debut aged 16 at Everton as he embarked on his outstanding playing career, and since moving into management has not been afraid to give teenagers a chance. For example, he selected 15-year-old Matai Akinmboni for DC United during his time at the MLS club.

Then at his last club, Birmingham City, Rooney handed a debut to Romelle Donovan at the age of 16 last October, and the young Blues prospect went on to make two starts and eight substitute appearances over the rest of the campaign.

Argyle have seen Michael Cooper and Adam Randell become first team regulars after developing through their youth academy, while the likes of Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts have both had limited tastes of senior action.