October return likely for Rooney

Updated 12.02 Tue Aug 14 2007

Keywords: carls tevez, steve mcclaren, sir alex ferguson, wayne rooney, england, manchester united, euro 2008, premier league, football, sport

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Wayne Rooney will be fit for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia in October.

The Manchester United manager has spoken to England boss Steve McClaren about the hairline fracture in Rooney's left foot and he expects the England striker to make his comeback in two months.

"It is a bad blow for England" - Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson said: "It is a bad blow for England. There is no question about that and I am disappointed for Steve.

"I could sense Steve's disappointment but they should cope without him and I expect he will be back by October."

Rooney's injury means Carlos Tevez will make his United debut in the Premier League game at Portsmouth.

Ferguson believes Tevez was the main reason West Ham avoided relegation last season and he hopes the Argentina international will find similar form for United.

Ferguson said: "To win seven games out of nine was championship form for West Ham and I think most of it was down to Carlos.

"He showed what a truly world class player he is."