by ivor_the_injun » Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:42 pm
Had a feeling all this talk of "three more weeks out" may have been some of that red-cheeked idiot's customary mind-games.
This from BBC sport...
Man Utd handed Rooney boost
Rooney is still waiting to make his debut in a United shirt
England striker Wayne Rooney is set to provide a boost to Manchester United's injury-riddled squad following his return to full training.
Rooney has kicked a ball for the first time since breaking a bone in his foot at Euro 2004.
He showed no reaction to the foot injury that has sidelined him since his £27.5m summer move from Everton.
Reports suggest he is slightly ahead of schedule and could be available for United's game with Liverpool on Monday.
United had originally set a comeback target date of 3 October and may even have been prepared to hold him back until the visit to Birmingham on 16 October.
That would have put him out of England's World Cup qualifying matches against Wales and Azerbaijan.
Rooney's return to fitness will come as welcome relief to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson following the club's latest injury blow.
Neville out for four weeks
Defender Gary Neville will be sidelined for four weeks after the injury he sustained on England duty was diagnosed as a hairline fracture of the kneecap.
Meanwhile, Roy Carroll is set for a recall as first-choice goalkeeper after Tim Howard's poor start to the season.
Howard has struggled for form and admits his errors have cost United goals.
People are going to pile pressure on me but that's how it is
Man Utd keeper Tim Howard
He said: "My start to the season hasn't been as good as last year, I know that.
"Had this been my first season I'm sure nobody would have been looking in my direction.
"But as it's my second, I think some things have been magnified.
"People are going to pile pressure on me but that's how it is in football."