Wayne Rooney has told Sven-Goran Eriksson he is confident of playing in the World Cup finals.

Rooney's broken metatarsal bone is healing well, according to England doctor Leif Sward, raising hopes that the England star can play a major role in Germany.

Eriksson does not want to tempt fate ahead of a scan on Rooney's foot on Thursday, but admits he is optimistic about the Manchester United striker's recovery.

The England boss said: "I spoke to him last week. I phone him now and then and he thinks he is going to be okay. I've always been very positive, maybe more with my heart than my head.

"But I'm quite sure Rooney will be ready at some stage during the World Cup. I strongly believe that."

Rooney broke the fourth metatarsal bone in his right foot against Chelsea, just over three weeks ago. He was told the injury would sideline him for at least six weeks.

Eriksson said: "We are in regular contact with him and the doctors. We know he is working very hard and doing everything possible. It's not a surprise. Rooney is desperate to play in the World Cup.

"The fact is that he's going to have a scan on Thursday and on Friday we will know much better what the situation is."

Sward's promising reports on Rooney's foot triggered hopes that Rooney will be fit for England's first World Cup game against Paraguay on June 10th.

Eriksson, however, is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with a player he once feared could miss the entire tournament. The manager could target the final Group B game against Sweden, 10 days later, for Rooney's return.