England (9/1 to win the 2012 European Championships) boss Fabio Capello is hoping that Wayne Rooney will be available for selection for his country’s Euro 2012 qualifying match against Montenegro.
The Italian manager believes that off the field revelations about the Manchester United striker’s private life would not affect his decision to select the player.
Rooney’s form for United (11/2 to win the FA Cup) has dipped since his personal life became the centre of media attention as he has only managed to score one goal for the Old Trafford side so far this season.
The former Everton striker picked up an ankle injury in the Red Devils’ Premier League clash with Bolton and will be hoping that he will be fit enough to play for England on October 12.
Capello believes that just playing matches is the best thing that Rooney can do to help him deal with life off the pitch.
He said: “I think at this moment, when you play (if you have private problems) it is better because you are focused on the game and training.
“The games Rooney played in the new position, he played very well. I was very happy. I hope he will be fit for the next game.
“I can speak about the performances for the national team, not about the performances for United,? he added.
Rooney did feature in England’s last European qualifier as they beat Switzerland 3-1, scoring the first goal for the Three Lions.
Capello has stated that he does not think players having problems with money and fame is not a new phenomenon.
He said: Not only now, but before there were the same problems every year – in Italy, Spain and the world.
“It is young people, young men with a lot of money. A lot of money is sometimes one problem, a positive problem. Sometimes.
“Does that make modern management impossible? No. It is private problems. It depends on the people they stay around, the friends.”
Rooney will be hoping to put his off-field problems behind him as he works his way back to fitness.
The 24-year-old should be fit enough to face Montenegro before he goes back to playing for United who will face West Brom in the Premier League.
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