Wayne Rooney: Plymouth head coach has ‘point to prove’ ahead of first game

Rooney also confirmed that the club has turned down bids for goalkeeper Michael Cooper and forward Morgan Whittaker that were “very far away” from Plymouth’s valuation.

Homegrown Cooper, 24, is in the final year of his contract and turned down an offer to extend his deal.

He has been reportedly linked with clubs including Sheffield United, Coventry City and Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile 23-year-old Whittaker, who was named in the Championship’s Team of the Season after a 20-goal campaign that saw him subject to a January bid from Lazio, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers.

“The club have to do what’s right for the club, but Michael is a fantastic young goalkeeper who has got a lot of improvement in him,” Rooney said.

“When you look at what Morgan did last season and then you’re seeing the money teams are paying for other players that didn’t do half of what he did then I think it’s a real insult the bids we’ve had.

“Morgan is really happy. I think big clubs will come in for him but I’ve seen no indications that he wants to leave the club. We have to keep these players.

Rooney said he “can’t be as enthusiastic” over Cooper’s chances of staying but said he is “training well and ready to play on Sunday”.