United - Rooney Set to Play!

With his world coming tumbling down around his ear-holes, it looks increasingly like the under-siege Wayne Rooney will be in the starting eleven tonight as England take on Switzerland, in Basel.

This morning a fresh barrage of accusations relating to his private life have hit the front pages of the tabloid press, but it looks as if Rooney has decided that the field of play offers some kind of sanctuary.

Since the allegations became public, courtesy of the Sunday press, it`s interesting to not that several in and around the England camp have closed ranks and are prepared to put their arms around Wayne.

One such person is the current England captain, Steven Gerrard, who is quoted in the media as remarking about Wayne playing tonight,

"I was talking to him at lunch about the game and he`s okay and is ready to play."

"He played really well at Wembley and I`m sure he`ll put on a performance."

"He was one of the major reasons why we won. We`re looking for more of the same here."

Whilst his national manager, Fabio Capello, is sure that following the allegations his physical and mental states are okay for such a crucial fixture, remarking to the press,

"He will play. I monitored him during the training. He was good. He`s focused on the game"

"I think during this period, when he was on the pitch, he forgot any problems he has."

"How he acted off the pitch was important, yes. It`s important to stay with the players, to stay together, and to play."

"For the players to play it`s a fantastic moment. You forget everything. I`ve spoken to him, but that will stay private."

All it needs now is for Rooney to give the sort of performance that just might drive his off-the-pitch antics off the front pages! We can but hope!



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