ROONEY PASSES MEDICAL!

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The docs have said "It is our professional medical opinion that Wayne Rooney is now available to play in the World Cup."

BBC Article Online

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Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to play for England against Trinidad and Tobago by independent medical advisers.

Professors Angus Wallace and Chris Moran of the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham flew to Germany on Wednesday to examine the 20-year-old.

The Manchester United striker has not played since breaking a metatarsal against Chelsea on 29 April.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Wednesday that Rooney was match fit for Thursday's crucial Group B game.

Joint statement from Angus Wallace and Chris Moran

In a joint statement, professors Wallace and Moran said: "Wayne's recovery has been more rapid than expected over the past week.

"This is due to the excellent care he has received since suffering the injury to his foot and because Wayne has worked so hard at his recovery.

"Due to this, we were invited back earlier than anticipated to reassess Wayne by Dr Leif Sward, the England team doctor.

"We are independent experts and would like to make clear that the findings of our evaluation and decision have been made without any pressure from the Football Association.

"We have Wayne's best interests at heart, as our sole concern is Wayne's well-being - now and in the future."

Professors Wallace and Moran examined Rooney on Thursday and studied footage of him in full contact training over the past two days and held discussions with the England medical staff.

Their statement continued: "We have carried out a full risk assessment related to returning him to play at this stage.

"That assessment has indicated that he is at no more risk than any other player who has recovered from an injury and is returning to competitive sport.

"It is our professional medical opinion that Wayne Rooney is now available to play in the World Cup."

Earlier on Wednesday, Eriksson rejected claims he had had a row with Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick over his plan to give Rooney a taste of the action against Trinidad and Tobago.

Eriksson also said at the same media conference that Rooney was "match fit" but said he had yet to decide whether to play the star striker.

"For me, Rooney is match fit but let me sleep on it. I will decide Thursday morning," he stated.

"Almost for sure he is not starting the match, I don't think he has 90 minutes in him yet."

Rooney has been playing a full part in England's training sessions in Germany and has looked in good form