Red Devil
15-05-2006, 06:39 AM
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson insists he will determine whether or not Wayne Rooney is fit to participate at this summer's World Cup finals. Manchester United striker Rooney, who broke his foot against Chelsea, has been caught up in what is threatening to turn into a club-versus-country row. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has understandably urged caution over the prospect of Rooney, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at United's Carrington training ground, being rushed back prematurely.
Rooney's star status for England has left the nation keeping their fingers crossed that he will recover in time to take part at some stage even if an appearance in The Three Lions' World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 10 appears unlikely. Eriksson has included Rooney in his 23-man squad nonetheless and, despite recognising United's right to a say, the Swede claims England will make the final decision regarding the player's fitness.
"It's very important to know he is paid by Manchester United and Manchester United must look after their interests for Rooney and for the future," Eriksson told the News of the World. "On the other hand, if he's fit, nobody can tell him not to play in the World Cup. "He is desperate to play. Our doctors and our physios are in regular contact with the medical staff at Manchester United and it is in everyone's interest to get him fit as soon as possible.
"What if England's doctors disagree with United's doctors? "I don't think that will happen - they have to agree. The two doctors and physios have very good contact. I am not worried. If Rooney is fit, he's fit." Sky sports News
Hey turnip Head, if you take on Fergie you will lose. Rooney is first and foremost a United player, who pay his salary. Playing for one's country when fit is an honour, not a right! Go boil your head Swede in a vat of vegetable oil. United decide, not you.
Rooney's star status for England has left the nation keeping their fingers crossed that he will recover in time to take part at some stage even if an appearance in The Three Lions' World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 10 appears unlikely. Eriksson has included Rooney in his 23-man squad nonetheless and, despite recognising United's right to a say, the Swede claims England will make the final decision regarding the player's fitness.
"It's very important to know he is paid by Manchester United and Manchester United must look after their interests for Rooney and for the future," Eriksson told the News of the World. "On the other hand, if he's fit, nobody can tell him not to play in the World Cup. "He is desperate to play. Our doctors and our physios are in regular contact with the medical staff at Manchester United and it is in everyone's interest to get him fit as soon as possible.
"What if England's doctors disagree with United's doctors? "I don't think that will happen - they have to agree. The two doctors and physios have very good contact. I am not worried. If Rooney is fit, he's fit." Sky sports News
Hey turnip Head, if you take on Fergie you will lose. Rooney is first and foremost a United player, who pay his salary. Playing for one's country when fit is an honour, not a right! Go boil your head Swede in a vat of vegetable oil. United decide, not you.