Wayne Rooney is "devastated" by the broken foot injury which has left his World Cup dream hanging in the balance. The Man United striker hopes his club's medical staff can have him fit in time to feature in some way at the World Cup finals in Germany next month.

But as Alex Ferguson cast doubt on whether that was realistic, the 20-year-old England international could only offer a modicum of comfort to those England supporters who consider the national team's World Cup chances to rest on his shoulders.

"I think, first of all, I've got to come in every day," Rooney told MUTV. "I know that with the physio team behind me at Manchester United they'll be giving me the best possible chance.

"Obviously I'm devastated to break my foot. At this moment in time it's horrible really, but you have got to get on with it, be positive, and try to get myself fit as soon as possible."

Rooney also asked for privacy as he fights for fitness. Bulletins are expected to be issued when appropriate.

Even before the injury, United boss Ferguson was concern that too much pressure was being foisted on the 20-year-old.
Ferguson has been irritated by Sven-Goran Eriksson's claim that he would be willing to name the young striker in his 23-man squad whether he has recovered fully from his metatarsal injury or not.

The best-case scenario prescribed for Rooney is that his recovery will take six weeks.

Eriksson names his provisional World Cup squad next Monday, and must finalise it seven days later, although FIFA today declared he could replace any player until June 9th, providing a medical certificate can be produced.  PA