By Adam Marshall


Manchester United defender Gary Neville has dampened the enthusiasm
surrounding Wayne Rooney's return to light training with England.

The experienced right back is taking a cautious line after suffering
a severe setback in his fruitless bid to be fit for the World Cup
finals in Japan and South Korea four years ago.

Although the signs are looking positive for Rooney to play some part
in Germany, Neville is worried that there could be some bad news
around the corner when the striker undergoes a scan in Manchester on
Wednesday.

"It's encouraging in one sense but my experience, in 2002, whilst in
Manchester, recovering and recuperating from my broken foot, I went
to see the specialist and thought I'd be given the go-ahead to start
training," he told Sky Sports News.

"Sometimes it's not what you think.

"We have to wait until tomorrow to see what the experts think. It's
not always what it appears.

"I was jogging prior to my scan in 2002 and was then told I'd have to
have an operation four days later.

"I hope it doesn't happen to Wayne as everyone wants him to take part
in the World Cup.

"Until the surgeons meet tomorrow, then I don't think anyone will
know for sure."

Neville thinks too much expectation is being heaped on his United
team-mate's shoulders.

"He hasn't trained for five or six weeks and we all get a bit carried
away in this country," he explained. "The lad has a broken foot -
leave him be, let him rehabilitate and let him be looked after by the
right people. They'll make the decision along with him.

"It's not important if the journalists or players encourage him."

When asked what Sir Alex Ferguson's reaction would have been to the
pictures of Rooney training, Neville said: "He wouldn't have seen it."