Rooney hails Capello input

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney believes he owes a great deal of credit for his scintillating form this season to England coach Fabio Capello.

The England international is enjoying arguably the best season of his career and scored all four goals in the weekend victory over Hull to take his tally to 19 Barclays Premier League goals this campaign.

Rooney's impressive form has taken the edge off the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and the 24-year-old claims his improvement is down in part to Capello.

"I'm scoring more because I have changed my position," said Rooney, quoted in Gazzetta Dello Sport. "I'm playing further forward and in the middle of the penalty area.

"It was Capello who suggested this to me. Now I know how to make different moves in the area.

"He has taught me so much from a tactical point of view. He has also given me a leading role with the England team."

Rooney believes he is not the only one who has benefited since Capello took over as England boss in 2008.

Capello transformed England from a team who had failed to qualify for the European Championships to one that easily booked their place in the World Cup finals, where they will face the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.

Rooney claims he and his England team-mates are now confident over their chances of success in South Africa and he believes United team-mate Michael Owen should be part of the squad.

"Capello instils fear, like a severe dad," continued Rooney. "He has explained to us how to do everything.

"He has made us more of a squad. He has worked above all on the tactics, now we can change them every match.

"We're going to South Africa convinced of our strengths. The group is not too difficult.

"I hope Owen will be there too, he deserves it."