Fergie urges Sven to pick Rooney

Alex Ferguson has given England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson his blessing to pick Wayne Rooney for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan.

New signing Rooney will not be available for Manchester United’s Barclays Premiership match with Liverpool tomorrow night as he recovers from the broken foot he suffered during 2004.

However, Ferguson feels the 18-year-old striker is not far off full fitness and will benefit from joining up with the England squad.

“Wayne has been doing a lot of training but so far, because of medical advice, there has been no contact work,” Ferguson told the Sunday Mirror.

“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.”