Sutton has 'a lot of sympathy' for Rooney

Chris Sutton says he has "a lot of sympathy" for Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney after the Pilgrims recent poor results.

Argyle have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches - a 6-1 thrashing at Norwich City last Tuesday and a 4-0 defeat at Bristol City on Saturday.

It led to the former England captain describing last week as the "hardest" in his managerial career and feeling "embarrassed" when applauding the travelling Argyle fans at Ashton Gate.

The results have left Rooney's injury-hit side one place and two points above the relegation places. They have won just four of their 18 Championship matches since Rooney took over in May.

"Rooney didn't have to do it and I actually have a lot of sympathy for him and the criticism which he's getting," former Aston Villa and Celtic striker Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"I know he's had a bad week, a desperately bad week - walloped six at Norwich and four at Bristol City - but the expectation for Plymouth I think, I maybe wrong, is staying in the Championship would be a pretty big deal."