I'm an honest player and never dive, insists Wayne Rooney

In the clear: Wayne Rooney has denied he cheated to win a penalty against Arsenal

11 April 2012

Wayne Rooney has insisted he is an "honest player" as the row over diving refused to die down.

The England striker, preparing for Saturday's World Cup warm-up clash with Slovenia at Wembley, denied he had cheated to earn Manchester United a crucial penalty against Arsenal last weekend.

TV replays showed Rooney was heading for the turf before keeper Manuel Almunia made clear contact but the 23-year-old said today: "Everyone who watches me play knows I am an honest player. I play the game as honestly as I can.

"If the referee gives a penalty there is nothing you can do about it. It is a penalty.

"If they want to take punishment further it is down to UEFA and the people who run the game. As players you just want to play."

Arsenal striker Eduardo was banned for two games after diving for a penalty in last week's Champions League clash with Celtic but Rooney does not believe the problem is getting worse.

"Diving has been in the game for years," he said. "Probably the coverage the game gets now, with all the cameras around, it gets highlighted a bit more. But it hasn't got any worse."

Rooney looks certain to play a part in Saturday's clash, ahead of the World Cup Group Six clash with Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.

Team-mate Carlton Cole is less certain of his chances and admits he needs to start scoring for England if he is to force his way into the starting line-up.

The West Ham striker has started to become a regular squad member and has been chosen five times in a row by Fabio Capello.

Cole impressed when coming on as a second-half substitute in the friendly with Holland in Amsterdam last month. But he is aware that, given the competition among the forwards, he must start to hit the net.

He said: "I base my game on my physical presence and I like to think I've got something to offer.

"But I know that I've got to score more goals if I am to start in the team. I aim to start also doing that with West Ham and I am up for the challenge. I just want to put on that England shirt."