Macclesfield Town boss Keith Alexander hopes that he can hang on to youngster John Rooney in the January transfer window.
The 19 year old signed professional terms with Macclesfield in the summer on completion of his two year Apprenticeship and his impressive performances this term have not gone unnoticed, with scouts flocking to Moss Rose to watch the youngster who is the younger brother of Manchester United and England talisman Wayne Rooney.
Speaking about reported interest in the youngster Alexander said;
“People are looking at him every week, We will do well to hang on to him and I would be surprised if my phone is not red hot.”
Much of the credit for Rooney’s development must go to Youth Team Coach, John Askey and Centre of Excellence Manager, Mick Holgate who have mentored the teenager since his arrival at Moss Rose.
The youth duo were able to improve the youngster’s physical capabilities via the ASE programme, monitoring body fat each month and constantly set him new revised targets.
Rooney showed good stamina but they devised drills to improve his speed over the crucial first 10 yards.
Askey recalls; “He was slightly overweight on his arrival to the Club to say the least. We helped him get fit and so did his family but he wanted to do it, he has reaped the rewards since and all credit to John for that.”
“John has got a fantastic touch, that and his passing ability is the best I have seen for someone of his age, then there is his awareness – in terms of his footballing brain he is streets ahead of a lot of other players.”
Alexander echoed Askey’s comments and added:
“I have no qualms at all about how well he looks after himself in his private life and he is always first on the training pitch and last off regardless of the weather.”
Unfortunately for Alexander it now looks likely that this combination of skill and dedication may move one of his prize assets on from the League Two Club.
