Roo still fits in with Roy

Posted Friday, September 07, 2012 by The Sun

ROY HODGSON insists Wayne Rooney is still his main man.

The Manchester United striker is missing from tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Moldova because of a gashed leg.

But there have been questions about his general fitness and he has admitted to returning to pre-season training in the past out of condition.

Hodgson, though, is standing firmly by Roo and feels he is integral to his World Cup plans.

He declared: “I don’t have any concerns. He’s a top striker and someone I want in the squad. We’re talking about a star. And when a star maybe does not reach the level expected of him, criticism follows.

“But I have no criticism of him or his fitness.”

Rooney looked far from being in prime shape at Euro 2012, having gone to Las Vegas for a break beforehand knowing he would miss the first two matches through a ban.

Hodgson added: “I’d dispute the fact he wasn’t fit at the Euros.

“What he does in pre-season is a matter for Sir Alex Ferguson and his club. I can’t make Wayne Rooney fit.

“I hope to see him in the United team fit and playing well, so I can welcome him back into the England squad.”