Rooney outranked by Varney

The complex and controversial rating system, pioneered and originally endorsed by Fabio Capello, rated 27-year-old Varney as the 10th best player in the league this week - and fifth amongst English-qualified players.

Rooney, by contrast, languished in 59th place, tied with West Ham United's Danny Gabbidon, Everton's Tony Hibbert and Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale.

The Capello Index has attracted controversy since its launch in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup this summer.

Capello was forced to distance himself from the project under pressure from the FA and the media, and the Index was put on hold until after the tournament.

By the time the Capello Index was relaunched after the World Cup Capello's personal stock had fallen after the disastrous display from his England side in South Africa.

Capello was reported to have demanded through his lawyers that the site be taken down, but the site has remained live.

And the rating system has subsequently produced some rankings which might embarrass the coach as he prepares for Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Varney scored for Blackpool in his debut match for the club - his first game in the Premier League - as the Seasiders secured a 2-2 draw at Bloomfield Road against Fulham. He has yet to represent England at any level.

Blackpool stars fared well in the Capello Index.

Goalkeeper Matthew Gilks - still technically available for England selection until capped by Scotland - outranked England's new number one Joe Hart, while Ian Evatt's rating of 34th put him higher than the likes of Jamie Carragher, Michael Dawson and John Terry.