Sven standing firm on Rooney

Sven-Goran Eriksson last night hinted he is set to ignore the pleas of Everton boss David Moyes for Wayne Rooney to be rested when England travel to South Africa for a friendly later this month.

Moyes has insisted that the 17-year-old striker needs a break, although he is unable to offer him one just yet as he is short of forwards amid his side’s bid to qualify for Europe.