Rooney and Eriksson to decide Cup debut
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-06-09 09:21
BUHLERTAL, Germany, June 8 - Wayne Rooney has got over his foot injury and
will play at the World Cup when the striker and Sven-Goran Eriksson decide he is
ready, the England manager said on Thursday.
"The good news from yesterday evening and today is that Rooney has no more
injury, he is injury free," Eriksson told a news conference at their training
ground.
"Now it's up to us to get him match fit and when we think he is match fit I
am prepared to take in any specialist we or Manchester United want to take in.
"I'm prepared to listen to everyone and discuss Rooney with them. But the
last say in this story is Rooney's and mine."
Rooney's club United had said late on Wednesday that the striker, who broke
his foot on April 29, could be cleared to play after England's Group B campaign
ends on June 20 against Sweden - subject to a "very careful assessment".
In sharp contrast to the cautious note struck by United after Rooney's scan
in Manchester on Wednesday, a bullish Eriksson made it clear he was in charge
and would play him.
Although Rooney took part in full training on Thursday, he will almost
certainly miss Saturday's opener with Paraguay. However Eriksson's upbeat
attitude suggests he may come on as a substitute against Trinidad & Tobago
or Sweden.
EXPERT OPINION
Angus Wallace, a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of
Nottingham will provide expert opinion on the timing of the explosive
20-year-old's World Cup debut.
"Professor Wallace this morning assured me that he will be here when we think
he (Rooney) is match fit," Eriksson said.
The Swede added: "I'm doing this in the best interests of Rooney, the England
team and 40 million England fans.
"I'm responsible for it and I don't want any more discussions about Rooney
until I tell you I think he's match fit.
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