Rio voices Rooney faith

England captain believes United team-mate will bounce back

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 11th October 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rio voices Rooney faith

Rooney: Has impressed Ferdinand in training

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England captain Rio Ferdinand is confident Wayne Rooney will be at his best after being confirmed fit to face Montenegro.

Rooney was considered a major doubt for the Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley because of his ankle problem, which ruled him out of Manchester United's goalless draw with Sunderland.

The star striker had also looked a shadow of his former self when playing for United after allegations surfaced regarding his personal life.

But England duty provided some respite for the 24-year-old as he had a hand in all four goals against Bulgaria last month before scoring in Switzerland.

Ferdinand has been restored as captain after recovering from injury and is convinced his United team-mate can repeat that form at Wembley on Tuesday night.

Pressure

"Wayne has been under immense pressure because of the reasons we know," he said.

"He has been fantastic in training. He has been the same old 'Wazza' around the training ground, which we all love.

"If we are going to win anything, we need him playing to his tip-top form. I am sure we will see a good performance from him tomorrow."

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been ruled out with a groin injury so Fabio Capello will partner Rooney with Peter Crouch up front.

And the England coach has no qualms about Rooney continuing to lead the line as the Three Lions aim to maintain their 100 per cent start to Group G.

"He is feeling good," Capello said. "I spoke with Wayne and he told me his ankle is okay.

"He trained fantastically and without pain. He is in a good moment. I spoke with him about different things and he is happy.

"Rooney will play tomorrow in the same style as he played against Switzerland."