Rooney out of action for month

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the ankle injury Wayne Rooney has sustained which will put the striker out of action for a month, will be the final nail in England's coffin as they desperately attempt to grab qualification.

"Wayne Rooney picked up an ankle injury in training and will be out for about four weeks," a United spokesman said on the club's official website.

The England international has been impressive since recovering from a broken foot he sustained in the opening day of the Premiership, netting eight goals in his last seven games.

The news will be a massive blow to England coach Steve McClaren, who will lose his key frontman for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

"It's hugely disappointing," the former Middlesbrough manager was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"Given the form he has been in and the contribution he has made to England over the last two games means it is a blow.

"But we have to deal with it, like we have dealt with situations like these before. It is an opportunity for someone else to come and do a job."