Ferguson likens captain Rooney to Bruce, Robson and Keane

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2007

ROMA (AFP) — Wayne Rooney will take to the field as captain of Manchester United for the first time on Wednesday with a glowing tribute from Sir Alex Ferguson ringing in his ears.

Ferguson has decided to rest many of his senior players for the meaningless Champions League group F clash against Roma here - United have already won the group with Roma assured of finishing second.

And at Tuesday's press conference at Rome's Stadio Olympico Ferguson gushed over Rooney's qualities as a captain.

"Some of the qualities he has are similar to two or three of our captains in the past," said Ferguson.

"Like Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and Roy Keane he has got determination and heart and sometimes these are the qualities that can influence the team.

"He's...