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General Sports News

Capello rejects Rooney claim

Author: Rose Young
Date: 27/03/2009

Head coach Fabio Capello has rejected suggestions that Wayne Rooney's fiery temperament will cause England problems.

Capello called the Manchester United striker a 'crazy man' in front of the rest of the squad at their first training session ahead of Saturday's friendly against Slovakia and next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The hardline Italian was reported to be unhappy with Rooney's behaviour during United's defeat at Fulham last weekend when he was sent off before striking the corner flag in anger on his way off the pitch.

But despite reminding Rooney and the rest of the squad about their responsibilities, Capello has denied suggestions that he is seeking to curb the striker's combative nature.

Meanwhile, captain John Terry insists he is totally focused on England despite his off-field problems.

Members of the Chelsea defender's family made headline news in Friday's newspapers following shoplifting allegations.

But ahead of the Sloavkia game in which Terry will win his 50th international cap, the England skipper claims he is fully focused.

Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips will miss the Wembley friendly after sitting out training for the fourth successive day with an ankle problem.

In domestic football, Sir Alex Ferguson could retire as Manchester United manager at the end of next season, according to his son Darren.

Darren Ferguson, who is currently the manager at League One side Peterborough United, believes his father could call it a day if he succeeds in moving United ahead of bitter rivals Liverpool in terms of the number of league title won.

United's haul of 17 championships is currently one adrift of the Anfield club.

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted his hopes of retaining his title are not looking good after a dismal start to his Australian Grand Prix weekend.

The 23-year-old was well off the pace in practice after his McLaren finished 16th and 18th in Friday's two sessions in Melbourne, and online betting odds reflect his poor times.

In cricket, a 'drained' Kevin Pietersen claims he can't wait to return home from England's tour to the West Indies.

The former captain, who resigned the role in January following a fall-out with then-coach Peter Moores, has admitted he is not enjoying the current series of games in the Caribbean.

England have won only one of their Test and one-day games - in bizarre circumstances after the Windies miscalculated the Duckworth-Lewis method - and Pietersen can't wait to return home.

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has refused to rule himself out of the running for the current vacancy with England.

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