Wayne Rooney has returned to the exclusive Manchester hospital where he had his scan this morning to discover whether he will be allowed to play in the World Cup.
After flying in from England training base in Baden-Baden accompanied by Football Association executive director David Davies and England team doctor Leif Sward, Rooney spent just under half an hour at the BUPA clinic in Whalley Range having a CT scan on his broken foot.
Rooney then headed to Merseyside to spend a short time at the home of the parents of girlfriend Coleen McCloughlin before being summoned back to Manchester for a meeting with Sward, United counterpart Tony Gill and Red Devils physio Rob Swire.
It is anticipated Sven-Goran Eriksson and Alex Ferguson will be involved in the final discussions before a decision is made, with both parties hoping it will not require the involvement of a FIFA mediator, who has been put on standby to make a binding decision should there be no agreement.
Eriksson has already expressed his confidence that Rooney will be given the green light to make an immediate return to Germany and step up training ahead of what would probably be an appearance at the first knock-out phase on June 24 or 25.
"I am confident he will take part in the World Cup and he is 300% confident that he will play," said Eriksson. "I have been saying for one month that I am sure he will take part. But I look forward to the point when we don't discuss scans and Rooney's foot anymore."
Eriksson's optimism has been fuelled by the sight of Rooney kicking a ball during recent England training sessions, although United officials remain more cautious in their outlook, insisting the player will only be released if the broken foot is fully healed.
Ferguson has rejected suggestions he does not want Rooney to play at the World Cup, although he has attempted to play down the mounting expectation surrounding the £27million forward and maintains his first loyalty is to the Red Devils.
"So much has been said about Wayne in relation to the World Cup but the main thing is that he is back for us for the start of next season," he said.
