Rooney’s groin; a nation holds its breath

ALEX FERGUSON has played down fears about Wayne Rooney’s fitness ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The Manchester United striker limped out of the action 13 minutes from the end of the 4-0 win over Stoke, sparking immediate fears about his health ahead of Fabio Capello’s provisional squad being announced on Tuesday.

But, in confirming Rooney had aggravated a groin injury that first surfaced at Blackburn last month, Ferguson stressed he was not too concerned about the 24-year-old.