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Monday 12 Jun 2006
Sven confident of a Rooney return
Wayne Rooney could play against Trinidad and Tobago

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said striker Wayne Rooney could be fit to return ahead of schedule against Trinidad & Tobago in World Cup Group B on Thursday.

Rooney, who team mate Rio Ferdinand said was desperate to come on as a substitute in Saturday's 1-0 win over Paraguay, has been recovering from a broken foot sustained on April 29.

Asked whether the 20-year-old striker had a chance of playing some part on Thursday, Eriksson told reporters: "I'm very optimistic, always. I'm born like that."

It would be Rooney's World Cup debut.

Such a move would not be popular with Manchester United, who have made it clear they do not want a player who cost them nearly 30 million pounds appearing before the second round on June 24 or 25.

After a scan last Wednesday, United said the "expert independent medical view" was that Rooney had a good chance of being fit after the group phase -- and even then would "require very careful assessment".

Eriksson subsequently brushed United's statement aside, saying he and Rooney alone would decide when the hugely gifted striker was fit to play for his country.

Despite his optimism after watching Rooney in training over the past week, Eriksson remained coy about just close he was to the match fitness needed.

"We have to decide that day by day, to be honest," said the Swede, who was determined his decision would not be swayed by the views of England's vocal fans.

As their team wilted in the second half heat of Frankfurt's Waldstadion on Saturday, the stadium echoed to the chants of "Rooney Rooney."

Asked how it felt to hear thousands of England supporters clamouring for their missing idol, Eriksson said: "It can't have an effect on me.

"I have my coaches, my fitness coach and my physios and we have to decide together -- 'okay, it's time'."

Despite the potential for triggering a 'club v country' row, Rooney is apparently champing at the bit to make even a substitutes' appearance in Nuremberg.

Ferdinand also heard the Rooney chants and told reporters: "He was desperate to get on the pitch, it's the exuberance of being a young chap.

"If you ask any of the subs they would have been desperate to come on. The fans know. They love Wazza and he's a great player."

Ferdinand also reported that Rooney had looked good in training, much of which has been carried out behind closed doors at their Buhlertal base.

England's final group game, when Rooney might also come on from the bench if deemed match fit, is on June 20 against Sweden.

Eriksson's men lead the group with three points with Sweden and Trinidad & Tobago on one each after drawing 0-0 on Saturday.