Rooney ready to rumble

Striker calls upon boxing strength ahead of clash with Liverpool

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 15th December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rooney ready to rumble

Rooney: Determined

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Wayne Rooney believes the boxing training he had when he was younger will help him when he faces Liverpool on Sunday.

The Manchester United striker insists the strength and determination he learnt from the sport has helped his performance on the pitch.

The 22-year-old has always had an interest in boxing and had to make the choice of whether to pursue the sport or concentrate on football.

"I think my boxing training was beneficial in my development as a footballer, especially breaking through to the Premier League at such a young age," he told The Sun.

Strength

"I needed that extra bit of strength that the boxing training had given me.

"It made it easier to play than it might have been and it's helped me with the way my game is now."

The Reds face the trip to Anfield on Sunday in a clash that could see Manchester United go top if Arsenal are beaten by Chelsea in the other mouth-watering game.

Rooney says the Liverpool fixture is the one he looks forward to most and insists they are ready to face Rafa Benitez's side.

Massive

"When the fixtures come out, I look for the games against Liverpool and, possibly, City as well," he told the Daily Star.

"It's a massive weekend for the top four clubs. The fact that Arsenal and Liverpool both lost last weekend was great for us.

"If we win on Sunday then we've got a great chance of going top. That'll spur us on.

"Liverpool had a great win in Europe so, obviously, they will be ready for it. But so will we."