Manchester United captain Gary Neville says Wayne Rooney has the character to carry the club to glory this season.

Rooney is being tipped for the Player of the Year gongs this season after a superb campaign.

"Wayne has been around a long time now and he has the experience of a 30-year-old now because he came into the Premier League at 16," Neville told manutd.com.

"He's done the lot - playing in European Cup finals, FA Cup finals, World Cups and European Championships. He is maturing now and going through a peak time in his career. He looks dangerous whenever he plays and can score lots of goals.

"It is not just about ability. It's also his determination and character. He's so enthusiastic. That is what makes him stand out, his willingness to always fight for the team."

Eulogies have been abundant for Rooney throughout a season in which he's scored 28 goals in 36 games for United so far. Neville has no qualms about piling on yet more praise, insisting, "Wayne can handle all the praise and accolades, and any criticism."

It was no doubt a relief to the captain and his colleagues that Rooney was able to play for England on Wednesday night, after concerns over a sore knee after the Carling Cup final.

"He is important to us," admits Neville. "We have two months of important matches now and we need him fit for them."