Rooney images 'inappropriate'

ENGLAND captain Wayne Rooney has "unreservedly" apologised to interim manager Gareth Southgate, the Football Association and young fans following the emergence of "inappropriate" images from the weekend.

The 31-year-old regained his place in the Three Lions' starting line-up last Friday, when he helped secure a 3-0 win against oldest foes Scotland in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

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A minor knee injury saw Rooney withdraw from the squad on the eve of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Spain, after which Southgate was forced to deny the absence was anything to do with images that emerged from The Grove hotel on Saturday night. The Sun alleged that Rooney dropped in on a wedding party, with the paper printing a photo appearing to show the Manchester United forward, sporting an England training top, looking the worse for wear.

In a statement issued on Rooney's behalf, the player's spokesperson said: "Naturally Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published.

"Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position.

"Earlier today Wayne spoke privately to both Gareth Southgate and Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise.

"He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures."