Rooney has 'point to prove' ahead of Argyle opener

Wayne Rooney has had spells in charge at Birmingham City, DC United and Derby County

Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney says he has a point to prove as he prepares for his first game in charge.

The former England captain took over as Argyle head coach in May after being sacked by Birmingham City in early January.

Rooney's time at Blues saw him lose nine times in 15 games as the club dropped from the Championship play-off places and were ultimately relegated at the end of the season.

"You're always trying to prove a point, whatever line of work you're in," Rooney said ahead of his first competitive game in charge on Sunday at Sheffield Wednesday.

"Sometimes because of my name it gets over-hyped a little bit, I understand that.

"I wouldn't be doing the club the right service if I didn't have a point to prove.

"I'm a really confident person, confident in my ability, in my coaches that I've got here and the players that I've got here, so I'm excited for the season.

"There's always going to be doubters - I could go and win the Championship with Argyle and there'd still be doubters, that's part of the game and people have opinions and I have no problem with that."

Argyle turn down bids for Whittaker and Cooper

Michael Cooper (left) has featured under Wayne Rooney during pre-season

Rooney also confirmed that the club has turned down bids for goalkeeper Michael Cooper and forward Morgan Whittaker that were "very far away" from Plymouth's valuation.

Homegrown Cooper, 24, is in the final year of his contract and turned down an offer to extend his deal.

He has been reportedly linked with clubs including Sheffield United, Coventry City and Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile 23-year-old Whittaker, who was named in the Championship's Team of the Season after a 20-goal campaign that saw him subject to a January bid from Lazio, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers.

"The club have to do what's right for the club, but Michael is a fantastic young goalkeeper who has got a lot of improvement in him," Rooney said.

"When you look at what Morgan did last season and then you're seeing the money teams are paying for other players that didn't do half of what he did then I think it's a real insult the bids we've had.

"Morgan is really happy. I think big clubs will come in for him but I've seen no indications that he wants to leave the club. We have to keep these players.

Rooney said he "can't be as enthusiastic" over Cooper's chances of staying but said he is "training well and ready to play on Sunday".