Rooney out of Croatia crunch

England and Manchester United were dealt a devastating blow yesterday when Wayne Rooney was ruled out for a month with an ankle injury.

On the day he was named Barclays Player of the Month for October, Rooney hobbled out of United training with damaged ankle ligaments and will miss England's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday week plus four Premier League games.

It is his second major injury of the season, having been out for a month with a metatarsal injury.

England coach Steve McClaren said last night: 'It is hugely disappointing for us and for him, given the impact he's made in our last two games. It's a blow but one we've been dealt before and it simply means an opportunity for someone else.'

For United, the 22-year-old will miss league games against Blackburn, Bolton, Fulham and Derby as well as two 'dead rubber' Champions League games against Sporting Lisbon and Roma.

Rooney has been in top form with 10 goals in his last nine competitive games.