Wayne Rooney defends himself after boos from Birmingham fans, saying changes at St Andrew's will take time

Wayne Rooney defended his management after he was booed by Birmingham fans at the end of his second game in charge, insisting changes will take time at St Andrew's.

Frustrated Blues fans made their feelings known after watching their club lose back-to-back games following Rooney's appointment.

He took over in controversial circumstances earlier this month from former boss John Eustace - who was sacked with the club sixth in the table.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, the former Man Utd and England striker defended his methods and said the style of play the club needs to win promotion from the Championship will be a gradual process.

"My message to the fans would be to be patient," he said. "I get it, they parted ways with a very popular manager, who did a good job in stabilising the club. I understand there's a bit of frustration, of course I do.

"We need to realise where we're trying to go, not where we are now. That's our aim, that's our ambition and it's what we're hoping to achieve.

"The club has been in a position over the last decade where it's had almost a way of playing which is why they're still in the position they're in.

"From my point of view, I want to move the club forward, and change the culture and identity of the club.

"If you look at the teams who get promoted, it's the teams who play football. Very rarely, Luton are probably the exception, are teams promoted playing a style they've been playing.

"Of course you want to change how you want to play, I'm very clear on that, but I don't want to put someone completely out of their comfort zone.

"The last two games, in terms of building out from the back, we have done that. It's something for me to adjust, and through January and the summer we'll start