Javier Hernandez: 'I have been short of confidence'

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has admitted that being dropped from the first team at Old Trafford affected his confidence throughout the season.

Hernandez was frequently forced to be content with a place on the substitutes' bench during David Moyes's spell at the club, and that resulted in 'little pea' scoring just four goals during the Premier League last season.

However, despite the Mexico international ending an 11-game goal drought for his country against Croatia on Monday evening, he has revealed that he has found it tough during the last 12 months of his career.

The 26-year-old is quoted by FIFA.com as saying: "This whole year has been very tough. Players need confidence more than anything else and I've been very short of it.

"Very few people have shown faith in me over this past year."

Hernandez will have a chance to impress new United boss Louis van Gaal on Sunday when Mexico face Netherlands in the last 16 of the World Cup.