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Rooney backed

4.14PM Sun Sep 5 2010

Wayne Rooney is a top player who will continue to perform for England, team-mate James Milner said after allegations about the striker's private life appeared in a Sunday newspaper.

The press conference ahead of England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday was dominated by questions about how Rooney was reacting to the newspaper headlines.

Manchester City midfielder Milner said it was business as usual for the squad this morning and Rooney took part in the full training session.

Asked about the Manchester United player's demeanour following the allegations, Milner said: "He is a top player, he showed that Friday. He trained fully this morning, that's all I can tell you.

"You're going to have to ask him the other questions."

He said it was important the team made sure matters off the pitch did not affect their performance on it, adding: "You have highs, you have lows, and it's down to us to make sure only thing that matters is on the field, come together and make sure we get the result."

Asked about whether it was important for fans to like the players, Milner said: "It's important that we go out there and win football matches. That's what we're out here firstly to do.

"And control ourselves on the field and off the field as best we can."

Rooney is still scheduled to travel to Switzerland tomorrow, Football Association sources said.

By: ITV News

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