Man Utd's Neville: Rooney influence as great as Keane

Manchester United captain Gary Neville says Wayne Rooney is as big influence on the club as legend Roy Keane.

Rooney is battling to be fit for Sunday's clash at Liverpool and Neville said: "Sir Alex said Wayne could easily be one of the best players in the world.

"Personally, I wouldn't swap him for anybody - he has such a big influence on our team. Sometimes the world's best player accolades go to people who are the most eye-catching and skilful.

"Rooney obviously has great skill but he also has incredible team qualities - his workrate, his defending and his goalscoring abilities all stand out.

"He's simply a fantastic all-round player."

Neville compares Rooney's influence on United to that of former captain Roy Keane.

He added: "Wayne's very important, he's infectious and sets the tone.

"Obviously we have a few people who do that but he has a fantastic desire that transmits itself to the rest of the team. In some ways, you see a little bit of Roy Keane's character in Rooney and the way he plays.

"There are always areas in which players can improve - even players who are over 35 will say they can improve. So certainly Rooney in his early 20s is someone who will get better with experience - and that is great for United fans."