England boss Fabio Capello admits he's thrilled with the goal scoring form of Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney.

No-one doubted Rooney's potential from the moment he exploded onto the scene as a 16-year-old with Everton by smashing that sensational winner against Arsenal at Goodison Park.

Yet alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, his progress appeared painfully slow.

When Ronaldo scored 42 goals in United's momentous 2008 campaign, when they won the Champions League, Rooney managed a mere 18. Last term the figures were 26 and 20. Capello was puzzled.

"After a few games I asked him why he didn't score more goals," recalled the Italian, himself a former striker.

"He was playing too far from goal. It needed to change.

"Now he is playing closer to goal - and scoring. His goal in the Carling Cup against City was in an area where I want him to be. That is where he can be a dangerous player."

Capello added: "Rooney has improved a lot during the last two years and this season he has been fantastic.

"He has been United's leader on the pitch this season.

"It is not easy to improve but he has taken his game to another level. For me, he has improved in every area.

"He is showing a new maturity and is scoring goals, which is good for him, Manchester United and England."