Rooney boost for England

Wayne Rooney diary

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has given Wayne Rooney the green light to play for England in next month's World Cup qualifiers.

Rooney is set to return to action after a broken foot but reports claimed that Ferguson would prevent Rooney from playing for his country.

However, Ferguson told the Sunday Mirror: "I will have no problems about Rooney going off with England.

"It might be good for the boy because he really needs games now."

England face a home game against Wales on 9 October before a trip to Azerbaijan four days later.

The return of Rooney, who picked up the injury during Euro 2004, would be a huge boost for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He was one of the stars of the tournament in Portugal but picked up his injury during England's quarter-final defeat at the hands of the hosts.

Rooney return lifts Man Utd

He could make his return to action for new club United against Liverpool on Monday following his £27m switch from Everton last month.

"Wayne has been doing a lot of training but so far, because of medical advice, there has been no contact work," Ferguson added.

"Now he is about to have what we are hoping will be his final medical and if he comes through that, if he is selected for the England squad that will be fine."