FERDIE AND FERGIE DEFEND ROONEY

Last updated : 11 September 2005 By Ed

Ferdinand:

"Players don't take it as an insult, it's just heat of the moment.

"He has told me to **** off many a time and I've said the same back to him. We'll probably do it again on Saturday.

"The day we don't tell each other to **** off will be the time to worry because it will mean we don't care. It's a normal thing in football, it goes on all the time."

SAF:

"I would rather have a player who showed a lot of heart for the struggle than one who didn't.

"If the lad hadn't shown that much heart, people would have been criticising him for not caring. It's not on. Do England want players who don't mind losing?

"That's their choice. If they do, then fine - we'll keep him here for a few extra training sessions."