Wayne Rooney dismisses Birmingham salary rumours ahead of facing Michael Carrick in first match - ‘Load of rubbish’

Wayne Rooney has spoken out against rumours of his big-money salary as the new Birmingham City head coach.

There were reports that Rooney was earning £1.5 million a year after taking over from John Eustace, who was believed to have earned only a third of the former England captain’s salary.

In an interview with BBC Radio WM, Manchester United’s record goalscorer was keen to rubbish those claims.

He said: "There's lots of stuff, especially with it being me.

"I understand that. There's lot of rumours which go round, but what's been out there is a load of rubbish, to be honest.

"As I said last week I came here because I really like the project.

"I've turned down jobs which would have paid a lot more but I've come here because I want to be successful. And I want to get this club back to the Premier League.

"But, as for some of the rumours, I just don't get involved with it."

Rooney’s first match in charge comes against his former United and England team-mate Michael Carrick, when Blues face Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Saturday.

Carrick and Rooney played alongside each other at Old Trafford for 11 years, winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League together in that time.

His former team-mate led Boro to a play-off place last season, and they have won their last four games after a dismal start to the campaign.

"Michael's a good friend of mine," he added.

"And he's doing a fantastic job at Middlesbrough. I'm pleased for him in that respect.

"We spoke early last week, but we then said we'd get this game out of the way and speak again after.

"To come up against him first time is great but we both want to win.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him. But, over the 90 minutes, it's Middlesbrough v Birmingham City - and we'll both be doing our best to win the match."

Rooney has also praised his squad for quickly adapting to a new managerial regime, with their preparations hindered somewhat by the recent international break.

He said: “We've had a few players away, and Juninho Bacuna is not back until Friday.

"But the lads have shown a great attitude. We've worked on tactics and I'm happy with how the lads have taken to it.

"They're open to the changes we're trying to make."

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