United manager Ferguson says Rooney unlikely to play in World Cup

May 1, 2006, 20:11 GMT

London - Wayne Rooney is unlikely to play any part in the World Cup for England, according to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The striker broke a bone in his foot in United's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea on Saturday and is expected to be out for six weeks, making him a major doubt for the finals in Germany.

'You never know, but at the moment I doubt that he will take part because of the recovery time,' Ferguson said on the United website.

'Without doubt it is a crippling blow for England.'

'When you see brave players staying down after a tackle you know it's genuine and he's in pain and that's what I felt with Wayne.

'At first we didn't think it was too bad, but when we sent him for the scan it identified the problem and we realised what a blow it was for the boy and for England.

'I spoke to Wayne on Saturday evening and he was obviously a bit down, but I told him these things happen.'

The injury is the same one that ended Rooney's Euro 2004 campaign.

'I would think this injury is even more of a killer-blow to him because he knows he is missing major tournaments,' Ferguson said.

'This time round it is even worse because he is more mature and is a more rounded player who has improved dramatically over the last two years. So it is a real, real blow.'

Ferguson said he would keep England coach Sven Goran Eriksson updated with Rooney's progress.

'I have tried to get hold of Sven so I can give him as clear an opinion from us as possible because he will be reading a lot of stuff in the newspapers.

'We have spoken to the England doctor and I think it is important that I give as much as information as I can to Sven to make sure he is absolutely clear on what road he can take.

'Wayne will be in plaster for the next few weeks and he'll be having regular scans to see how it is healing.'

'If England don't have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from other players.'