Manchester United Forward Wayne Rooney Admits Surprise At Euro 2012 Ban Reduction And Says He Is 'Grateful' To Be Able To Play In Group Phase

The striker's three-game suspension was cut to two on appeal, meaning he will be able to play in final game against Ukraine, but he admits it will be difficult to reach quarters

16-Dec-2011 5:07:00 PM

By Matt Scott

More On :  England, Manchester United, Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
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Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has expressed his gratitude for having his three-game international ban reduced to two games.

Rooney will now be available for England's final Group D game against co-hosts Ukraine and is looking forward to the challenge.

He told The Sun: "I was surprised, to be honest, I wasn't expecting it, but I'm grateful it's been reduced and delighted I'm available to play in the group."

While Rooney is happy to be available he has warned that it will not be an easy path for the Three Lions to the quarter-finals with France and Ukraine set to provide a tough test along with Sweden, often a thorn in England's side.

"I think we're confident we can get through it, but it's still going to be difficult," he continued.

"France will be a difficult game. Ukraine will be tough too. We played them a couple of years ago and they nearly beat us.

"I think we have to be confident, but it's not as easy as I think everyone is saying it is."

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