Eriksson considers starting with Rooney

Sven Goran Eriksson was last night weighing the wisdom of giving Wayne Rooney his first international start in the fevered atmosphere of Wednesday's European Championship qualifier with Turkey in Sunderland.

The teenager's elevation is in prospect because of a knee injury suffered by Emile Heskey during England's victory over Liechtenstein. While the Liverpool striker's value is constantly questioned, even after making both goals on Saturday, it is underlined by the dearth of viable alternatives.

The World Cup revealed Darius Vassell to be too similar to Michael Owen while Francis Jeffers, who has just 45 minutes' international experience, lacks physical presence. Of the players in Eriksson's squad that leaves Rooney who has power and pace but has started only 10 matches for Everton and none for England. Eriksson is reluctant to pitch the 17-year-old into such a crucial match but admitted he may have to.

"I think Rooney is ready but part-time," said Eriksson yesterday. "I don't think we should expect him to come in and resolve the game against Turkey but it could happen. He is physically strong, good on the ball, quick and he scores goals."

Eriksson added: "He deserves to be here. He does not seem worried or nervous. He might be good enough to start but it might not be fair to him. Am I too cautious to play him? I picked him for the squad when people said I shouldn't."

Gary Neville, who made his first England start after 20 club appearances, has no doubts. The England and Manchester United right-back said: "Wayne Rooney is a man at 17. You would never think he was so young. Sometimes you have to give them young players their head and let them go. That's what we all have to do with Rooney."

Rooney replaced Heskey late in Saturday's match and Neville added: "It was difficult for him when the rest of the team had eased up, but he showed some good touches and that he could link up players well."

The nearest equivalent England have to Heskey in his ability to hold the ball and act as a foil for Owen is Alan Smith, who deputised when Heskey missed the Macedonia tie in October, but he was omitted from the current squad and, said Eriksson, was unlikely to be called up.

An alternative solution would be to push Paul Scholes into the hole to play off Owen, allowing Kieron Dyer to play in his best position, central midfield. Danny Murphy would then play on the left. Eriksson indicated, though, that Dyer would be given another chance on the left flank.

Neither Heskey nor Sol Campbell, who has rejoined the squad after missing the trip to Liechtenstein with a sore Achilles, trained yesterday. Their fitness will be assessed this morning.