Roy Hodgson backs Wayne Rooney to shine

England manager Roy Hodgson believes that Wayne Rooney will put in a starring performance at Wembley on Wednesday amid his recent club troubles.

The 27-year-old handed in a transfer request at Manchester United towards the end of the season, which resulted in him receiving a mixed reception from the supporters throughout the club's title celebrations.

However, Hodgson feels that Rooney can put all of that behind him and show just how hungry he is to succeed for the Three Lions against the Republic of Ireland.

"If anything I find Wayne's desire stronger than when we first met," Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

"I have nothing but the greatest faith in him. I know he'll be really desperate to get out and show how desperate he is.

"Good players can have bad games, it's not an exact science. But my faith in Wayne Rooney has never wavered."

Rooney is expected to be partnered by Daniel Sturridge in attack.