Rooney raring for comeback
Wayne Rooney is relishing a return to international football this
weekend as England prepare for a vital double-bill of Euro 2008
qualifiers.
The United striker missed last month's victories over Israel and
Russia through injury, and he is itching to reclaim his place
alongside Michael Owen against Estonia on Saturday.
"Michael and Emile (Heskey) did brilliantly (in England's last two
qualifiers) but it spurs you on really," Rooney told BBC Radio Five
Live. "It makes you want to do better.
"I'm excited and I can't wait for the game. I've watched the games
but I'd rather be playing. I haven't really liked sitting out the
last few games."
Aside from England's World Cup 2006 draw with Sweden, in which Owen
damaged knee ligaments, Rooney and the Newcastle striker have not
played in tandem since November 2005, when both scored in a 3-2
friendly win over Argentina.
Despite that lack of practice together, Rooney is confident that he
and Owen can provide the goals to help Steve McClaren's side take a
huge step towards next summer's tournament in Austria and
Switzerland.
"If we play together I'm sure we'll do the job," said Rooney. "We
haven't played together since the World Cup and that was for one
minute. It's different at club level, because you are alongside the
same players every week but I'm sure we will make it work."