SIR ALEX FERGUSON HAS NO CONCERNS OVER WAYNE ROONEY

Ferguson has no regrets about omitting Rooney at the weekend

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he has no concerns about playing Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Rangers.

Ferguson omitted the striker for Saturday's match at Everton, claiming he wanted to protect the player from abuse by fans at his former club.

“I've no regrets about leaving him out. I did the right thing,” said Ferguson.

“He's a terrific player and he'll be looking forward to tomorrow. We expect a good performance from him”.

Ferguson added that scoring for England in their 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Switzerland last week had given Rooney “a boost”.

Rooney was left out of the squad for Saturday's match – which saw United concede two stoppage-time goals to draw 3-3 with Everton – following newspaper stories about his private life. Rangers will be organised, they have no problems with temperament and fitness and they won't be overawed coming here. It won't be easy

Sir Alex Ferguson
The 24-year-old was seen laughing and joking with team-mates as he trained at Carrington in Manchester ahead of the Champions League clash with the Scottish champions at Old Trafford.

Rooney is likely to start on Tuesday as United look to respond to the disappointment of Saturday's draw.

In their previous away game at Fulham on 22 August, they also conceded a late goal that cost them two points in a 2-2 draw.

However, Ferguson may be able to call upon the services of defender and captain Rio Ferdinand, who has yet to feature this season after suffering a knee ligament injury while training with England ahead of this summer's World Cup, to help shore up his defence on Tuesday.

“It's not frailty, it's been a lack of concentration in our defending,” admitted Ferguson. “Until the last few moments on Saturday we were very good.

“Rio has trained last few weeks and he needs to play games now.”

Tuesday's game brings Ferguson up against the side he played for in the late 60s and also sees him go head-to-head with friend and former United assistant manager Walter Smith, now Rangers boss. PHIL MCNULTY'S BLOG

Rooney showed with his performance for England in Switzerland that he has the ability to close out personal problems when it comes to performing in the pitch

“I'm looking forward to it,” said Ferguson. “It brings a bit of focus on me being a Scot and playing for Rangers but when we're playing at home it doesn't matter who we play, we want to win.

“You always have to assess the manager you're facing. I know how good a tactician Walter is. Rangers won the league last year and you have to give it to him.

“If you look at their performances away from home in the Champions League last year they were very good.

“They'll be organised, they have no problems with temperament and fitness and they won't be overawed coming here. It won't be easy.

“But we have to face that many times – teams with a game plan – and we must do something about it.”

Ferguson will be picking from strength for the match against his former club as all his 25-man squad – with the exception of midfielder Michael Carrick, who is sidelined for three weeks with an ankle injury – trained on Monday.