Timbers Insider: John Rooney trains with Timbers (original) (raw)
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John Rooney wants to break free from his brother's enormous shadow and make a name for himself on his terms.
Rooney, brother of Manchester United striker Wayne, is on trial with the Timbers today and Wednesday. The 19-year-old younger brother of Wayne said he's eager to prove his worthiness.
"It's good to be his brother (in England)," Rooney said. "But here, I just want to concentrate on my own career."
Rooney said his first day with the Timbers went well.
"(Practice) was good. I just need to get used to the turf," Rooney said after practice Tuesday morning. "In a few days, hopefully I will get used to it."
Portland coach Gavin Wilkinson said the structure of Tuesday's practice didn't allow Rooney to adequately display his talents. The group spent most of the practice playing small-sided scrimmages and working on drills. Wilkinson said Wednesday's practice will be provide a better opportunity for analysis and evaluation.
"We're just going to put him in a game situation and sit back and evaluate," Wilkinson said. "We'll let them play a game for 50-60 minutes and we'll be more geared up to have a good look at him."
Wilkinson said he would have taken a look at Rooney even if he didn't have a famous brother and last name.
"The organization that he works for is very well respected," Wilkinson said. "If that organization asks you to look at a player, out of respect for the organization, you look at the player if there's an opening on your club."
Rooney could play at midfield or forward for the Timbers. Rooney played for Macclesfield Town in England's League Two last season and he had a trial last year with Derby County of the Championship Division but wasn't offered a contract. Rooney said he's looking for a chance to play at a higher level and sees Major League Soccer as a real opportunity to further develop his game.
"From what I've seen of the standards, (MLS) looks good," Rooney said. "I want to come over and play in the MLS next year."
Rooney's opportunity to play in MLS would likely come through entering the MLS draft. And a move to the United States would go a long way toward helping him escape his brother's legacy in England.
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