Rooney ready for Wembley

Posted Monday, March 01, 2010 by PA

Wayne Rooney hopes to be fit for England's friendly against Egypt on Wednesday after scans showed no serious damage to his knee.

The Manchester United striker suffered a knock in Sunday's Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa to spark fears over his availability for the international clash, but he told reporters on Monday that a scan had shown no serious damage.

"Yes it's okay, I went for a scan today and it's just a bit of bruising," he said. "I should train tomorrow and should play on Wednesday."

Rooney claims there have been no disruptions ahead of Wednesday's game, despite the unusual circumstances surrounding preparations. Wayne Bridge made himself unavailable for the game following allegations that former Chelsea team-mate John Terry had an affair with his former partner and mother of his young son.

Terry has been stripped of the captaincy but Rooney added on Sky Sports News: "John is a leader for our team.

"He hasn't got the armband but he's still a great player and a great leader. There are no worries about his form, that's for sure. The squad has been no different since we've met up.

"Wayne Bridge is a fantastic player and especially now with Ashley Cole being injured I'm sure he'd have been the one to take his place. It's unfortunate but it's his decision and you have to respect it."

The Manchester United striker had support for Ryan Shawcross, who was once on the books at Old Trafford. Stoke defender Shawcross got his England call-up just hours after being dismissed for a challenge which broke the leg of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on Saturday evening.

Rooney added: "I was with him at United for a couple of years and he's not that type of player. I'm sure he'll be okay, he'll be welcomed into the squad and will be hoping to get a game on Wednesday.

"It's unfortunate but he's got to move on now. He's in the squad at a young age, it's important for him to get a game and if he does I'm sure he'll do well."