Ex-Southampton star Jim Steele: 'I don't rate Wayne Rooney at all'

Former Southampton defender Jim Steele has claimed that Wayne Rooney does not deserve to be considered in the same category as Sir Bobby Charlton.

The Manchester United captain became England's record goalscorer by netting his 50th in the Three Lions' 2-0 victory over Switzerland last week.

However, in the Premier League, the 29-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford having failed to score in four matches.

Ahead of Sunday's game between Southampton and United at St Mary's, Steele has given his thoughts on Rooney's ability.

"I'm hoping Wayne Rooney plays because I don't rate him at all," the Daily Echo quotes Steele as saying. "He can't be compared with the likes of Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves.

"He may have scored 50 goals for England but I played against Charlton and Besty for Saints in the early seventies and you just can't compare Rooney with the guys of old."

The United striker has missed the team's last two games with a hamstring injury.