Capello backs Rooney to put club woes to one side
ENGLAND head coach Fabio Capello insists out-of-sorts striker Wayne Rooney is fully fit and “in a good moment” ahead of tonight’s clash with Montenegro.
Rooney has not scored from open play for Manchester United this season, and missed his club’s last two games with an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old’s slump has also coincided with intense scrutiny of his private life, but Capello is expecting Rooney to put his troubles behind him at Wembley.
“Rooney will play. He is feeling good. I spoke with Wayne and he told me his ankle is okay. He trained fantastically and without pain,” said the Italian.
“He is in a good moment. I spoke with him about different things and he is happy. Rooney will play tomorrow in the same style as he played against Switzerland.”
Rooney will play in a withdrawn forward role behind Tottenham target man Peter Crouch, whose starting place was guaranteed after injury ruled out Sunderland’s Darren Bent yesterday.
The United talisman may have struggled for his club but has found sanctuary in an England shirt, scoring in last month’s 3-1 victory in Switzerland and impressing in the home win over Bulgaria.
Montenegro arrive in London top of Group G with a 100 per cent record from their three fixtures and without having conceded a goal.