Sven urged to pick Rooney

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson has urged England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson to pick Wayne Rooney for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan.

Rooney, 18, will not be available for tonight’s Premiership tie with Liverpool as he recovers from a broken foot.

But Ferguson feels the striker is not far off full fitness and will benefit from joining up with England.

“Wayne has been doing a lot of training but so far, because of medical advice, there has been no contact work,” said Ferguson. “Now he is about to have what we are hoping will be his final medical and if he comes through that, if he is selected for the England squad that will be fine.”

“I will have no problems with Rooney going off with England. In fact, it might be good for the boy because he really needs games now.”