Cole hails Rooney's simple approach

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes Wayne Rooney's ability to finish the simplest of chances is what has made him so deadly this season.

Rooney is in the best form of his career having scored 34 goals in all competitions so far and has been an integral player for United.

However, a recent ankle injury proved telling as the Red Devils crashed out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich while seeing their title hopes dealt a huge blow with defeat to Chelsea followed by a lacklustre draw with Blackburn.

Rooney has always been capable of scoring goals of the highest quality but Cole believes the fact the 24-year-old is now finishing more rudimentary chances is what has made him one of the most prolific forwards in the world.

Cole told Press Association Sport: "The good thing with Wayne this season is that he has got lots of tap-ins or goals from eight or 10 yards and those make big things in a season.

"His work rate has always been the same and he has always been a team player but to get into those areas and get more goals it has been absolutely superb.

"He has really stepped up to the plate and with (Cristiano) Ronaldo leaving he has come out and blossomed. He is now showing his full potential."

However, Cole feels it is vital that England do not rely too much on Rooney if they are to harbour hopes of a successful campaign at this summer's World Cup.

Rooney is quite rightly expected to be a integral player in Fabio Capello's side in South Africa but Cole feels the strongest international sides have been the ones that are able to work well together as a team.

"In England I feel we sometimes believe that one player can win us the World Cup," added the 38-year-old.

"All teams have special players and England's is Wayne Rooney. However, the World Cup is not won by one player.

"For us to win it every player on a given day is going to have to play to their maximum."

Cole was speaking in Hong Kong where he will lead a team in the Soccer Sevens tournament in the city next month.

The former England international recently had a spell coaching at Huddersfield and he admitted he is keen to step into management in the future.

"I don't want to close any doors on anything," he said.

"I love football. Given the opportunity I would like to coach at a football club again and learn what you need to learn but my ultimate goal is to try and manage a team given the opportunity."