Barnsley’s Callum Styles hoping to get shirty with his childhood hero Wayne Rooney

The Barnsley midfielder hails from Bury, a town which is a Manchester United supporting stronghold – and there was one player who stood out from the rest when he was growing up in the shape of Wayne Rooney.

The Old Trafford legend is now winding down his playing career at tomorrow’s opponents Derby County where he is currently player-coach.

Should Styles face Rooney, it will be a proud moment for his family, even if there would be understandable disappointment at the fact that they would not be there to witness it at Pride Park.

Styles said: “He (Rooney) was my idol when I was younger and it will be a very good experience and hopefully I can get his shirt after if he plays.

“I did not go to many (Manchester United) games, but I watched a load of telly.”

Styles can look back on his emergence with a sense of satisfaction since football resumed after the first lockdown, with his sole frustration being that his family are having to watch his considerable progress from the TV screens in their own home and not in person.

The midfielder added: “When you spend that much time away from football, your hunger grows and I was hungry to prove to people that I can play in the Championship week in week out and stake my claim.

“It is frustrating as they (my family) have helped me all the way through my career and when I have got my foot in the door and am playing week in, week out, they cannot watch me in the flesh and it is a bit annoying.

“But they have been watching me on iFollow which is good.

“My dad is watching me every week and eager to come and watch when the fans are back as he’s always involved,” added Styles.

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