United midfield legend inspires Wayne Rooney as captain

England skipper Wayne Rooney has revealed he aims to follow the example set by former-Manchester United captain Roy Keane when he leads out Roy Hodgson's side against San Marino on Friday night.

The Manchester United forward has been handed the England captaincy by Hodgson, as one of the most senior players in the squad.

Rooney has 76 caps for his country, and is still just 26-years-old, and the Manchester United forward has emerged as one of his country's best players.

When asked which former skipper he most admires Rooney picked his ex-Old Trafford colleague.

"Roy Keane, without a doubt, having played with him for a couple of years and seen how he played on the pitch and dealt with things off it," Rooney told manutd.com.

"He was vocal on the pitch and helped me off it. He was a great captain."

Rooney will skipper the Three Lions for the first time in a competitive international fixture, following the withdrawal of injured Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and the suspension of first-choice captain Steven Gerrard.

The Manchester United striker returned to Sir Alex Ferguson's side last month after recovering from a nasty gash sustained against Fulham in August.

And Rooney quickly built up a rapport with new United signing Robin Van Persie, setting up both of the Dutchman's goals against Cluj in the Champions League.