Giggs: Rooney can be among the best

Posted Thursday, February 04, 2010 by PA

Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney is edging closer to the select group of players currently regarded the best in the world.

The 24-year-old has just completed a memorable week, which began with his first four-goal haul in the victory over Hull. Rooney then headed home the injury-time goal that secured another Wembley appearance for the Red Devils at the expense of Manchester City in the Carling Cup, before finally finishing off a sensational second goal in United's demolition of title rivals Arsenal at the weekend.

And Giggs believes Rooney's form could soon earn him the kind of recognition currently enjoyed by Lionel Messi, Kaka and former Old Trafford team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, the three men widely acknowledged to be the best on the planet, saying: "He is getting nearer that group."

He added: "You have seen it for England and for us on the bigger stages. That is what all the top players do.

"The best thing is that Wayne is still developing. He is 24 now but he is only going to get better.

"His appetite is strong and he is a great player to have in your team."