TONY Mowbray has told of his respect for Wayne Rooney ahead of Sunderland's game against Birmingham.

Rooney heads for the Stadium of Light still looking for his first win on the back of three defeats and a draw after replacing John Eustace and, according to Mowbray, is "still searching for his best formula".

"I only say that because I see the personnel changes in the games - generally three or four each game," said Mowbray.

"We've been watching the matches and he seems to have made plenty of changes in every game," said Mowbray.

"He's looking at his squad at the moment. You have to judge Wayne over a longer period than four matches. Of course, sometimes you can have a new-manager bounce where when a new guy comes in, results swing positively, and yet he came in on the back of two wins from John Eustace and now they have had three defeats and a draw."

Mowbray has managed against Rooney in the past and praised the ex-England and Manchester United's character, saying: "He's a nice guy, I like Wayne. He is really humble and a nice guy to talk to about football, so I look forward to seeing him this weekend. You don't know the impact of any coach. The name 'Wayne Rooney' is going to suggest that they [the Birmingham players] are going to listen and focus and take on board, and I am sure they are."

"The 2-2 against Ipswich, you probably wouldn't have had that down in your coupon - if you still do a coupon! They look to me as if they are getting stronger, they are getting closer to where Wayne would want them to be."