'Red hot' Rooney credits Capello for bringing out his best

London, Jan 27(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has said that England manager Fabio Capello has played a crucial role in his goalscoring glut this season.

Rooney heads into the Carling Cup semi-final showdown against Manchester City with 12 goals in his last 12 games, including all four in Saturday's 4-0 win over Hull.

"I'm scoring more because I've changed my position. I'm now playing more up front, in the middle of the penalty area and it was Capello who suggested this new position," Mirror quoted Rooney, as saying.

"Now I know how to move differently in the area. Capello has taught me so much from a tactical point of view and given me the job of leader. He's frightening, like a severe dad," he added.

Meanwhile, manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Rooney is in such prolific form this season that he will easily surpass his best goal return of 23 and hit at least 30 by the end of the campaign.

"Wayne's in such great form there aren't many players matching him at the moment. His scoring form has put him up in that frame. I'm not suggesting there aren't plenty of other good players in the country, and it's not for me to judge who's the best. I'm just happy with Wayne's form," Ferguson said.

"He's got 20 goals now, with the crucial part of the season is coming up. He could easily get to more than 30. His ratio of goals per game suggests that. He's become more aware of the penalty box. Playing in that direct role has given him the appetite to be in the box more," he added. (ANI)