Soccer:Wayne Rooney hopes to be fit for England's friendly against Egypt on Wednesday after scans showed no serious damage to his knee. The Manchester United striker suffered a knock in yesterday's Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa to spark fears over his availability for the international clash.
Rooney, however, said today: “Yes it’s okay, I went for a scan today and it’s just a bit of bruising. So I’m having a bit of a rest day today, I should train tomorrow and should play on Wednesday.”
Rooney claims there have been no disruptions ahead of Wednesday’s game, despite the unusual circumstances surrounding preparations.
Wayne Bridge made himself unavailable for the game following allegations that former Chelsea team-mate John Terry had an affair with his former partner and mother of his young son.
Terry has been stripped of the captaincy but Rooney added: “John is a leader for our team. He hasn’t got the armband but he’s still a great player and a great leader. The squad has been no different since we’ve met up.
“He (Terry) is a great player — I think he’s been named in the world XI for the last three years. There are no worries about his form, that’s for sure. Wayne Bridge is a fantastic player and especially now with Ashley Cole being injured I’m sure he’d have been the one to take his place.
“It’s unfortunate but it’s his decision and you have to respect it.”
Rooney also hopes Terry gets a good reception from the Wembley crowd.
Asked how he expects to public to receive the former captain, Rooney said: “The same as normal I’d hope, I’ve been in the team when a few players have been booed at Wembley and it’s not nice, it doesn’t send the right message. I hope he gets a good reception.”