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FOOTBALL

Neville doubt but Rooney match fit

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Neville, left, is a likely absentee but Rooney, right, is now match fit.

NUREMBERG, Germany -- Wayne Rooney is in line for his World Cup debut as a substitute against Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday but England colleague Gary Neville is a big doubt because of a calf injury.

Asked if Rooney was available after nearly seven weeks out with a broken foot, coach Sven Goran-Eriksson said: "For me, Rooney is match fit. Let me sleep on it, I will decide tomorrow morning."

Questioned about Rooney's likely role, he added: "Almost for sure not starting the match, because I don't think he's got 90 minutes in his legs yet."

Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Neville earlier limped out of training at the Nuremberg stadium.

And Eriksson said Owen Hargreaves or Jamie Carragher would come into the team for the Group B match if Neville fails to make it.

"Gary Neville has a calf problem and is very doubtful for tomorrow," Eriksson said. "He's on his way to do a scan now so we will know more later and tomorrow morning."

At the same time he will rule on Rooney -- and any decision to play the inspirational 20-year-old forward would be controversial.

United issued a statement last week, citing independent expert medical opinion, that Rooney should not be played before the second round at the earliest.

Even then, he would need careful assessment before any decision to play could be taken, the statement said.

Eriksson dismissed reports in the British media that he had had a difference of opinion with Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick over when to play Rooney.

"It's been reported that Brian and I have had a row about it, that's completely a lie," said the Swede.

"We have discussed it a lot in a positive way but absolutely no disputes at all."

England, who beat Paraguay 1-0 in last Saturday's opener, will qualify for the second round if they win on Thursday.

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