South Africa World Cup news: Ferguson right to play Rooney against Bayern, says Capello

15/04/2010

Fabio Capello has said he did not mind Wayne Rooney being rushed back from injury to face Bayern Munich so close to the South Africa World Cup.

The England boss will be hoping his star striker is back to full fitness for the tournament, but has backed Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to select Rooney for the Champions League clash.

Rooney started the game at Old Trafford last week but picked up a knock to his ankle and limped off early in the second half, sparking fears that he may not be ready for the South Africa World Cup.

Despite this, Capello told Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport he did not think it was a risky move to start Rooney.

"I fully understand Ferguson and I know how important Rooney is psychologically for the team," he said. "After the tests, he took the field and evidently [the injury] wasn't serious."

The Italian is also sweating on the fitness of Aaron Lennon prior to the South Africa World Cup, after the Tottenham winger picked up a knock in training earlier this week.

Posted by Keith Prowse