Wayne Rooney set to feature in Airtricity XI friendly

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to make his first pre-season appearance against an Airtricity XI on Wednesday.

Rooney has not played for his club since England’s disappointing defeat to Germany at the World Cup where the 24-year-old endured a torrid campaign and struggled to find any resemblance of form.

Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to field a strong team against the Irish League XI with internationals such as Rooney, Park Ji-Sung, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic set to feature.

“Rooney, Park, Carrick and Vidic are back in training and doing well,” Ferguson told the club’s official website.

“Valencia is also training well and needs a game. All of them will be involved.”

The friendly takes place at Ireland’s newly-constructed national ground Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

And defender John O’Shea has expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing at Ireland’s new home.

“I am really looking forward to the match in Dublin,” said O’Shea.

“We have a massive following of fans from Ireland and I know they will do us proud and give us great reception in the new Aviva stadium.”