Rooney’s warning: Beware fright night

WAYNE ROONEY has warned England’s young players they face the biggest test of their international careers when they enter Celtic Park this evening. The England captain admits the stadium will be bouncing after Gordon Strachan’s side beat the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday evening. Roy Hodgson’s men are looking to secure a sixth successive victory and Rooney, who will win his 101st cap, said: ‘I have spoken to the younger players because it can take you by surprise. It will be a big test. ‘I am excited to play in it. It will be a good game, Scotland are doing well and getting some good results. ‘It will be a great test. I have played here before in the Champions League and the

atmosphere is really loud and intense. ‘It’s a stadium with a particular atmosphere you want to experience as a player. ‘We have to play the game within the rules. I don’t think it will be like the games 20 years ago. It will be a football game. ‘There will be an edge to it, but that’s what you expect from this kind of fixture. ‘Their fans will be really up for it. It will be quite intimidating if you’re not used to it, so I want to make sure they’re ready for it and to get them settled. ‘I’ve just spoken to the younger ones in general. Everyone knows this stadium, the fans here have a great reputation of making it an intimidating place. I wanted to pass on my experience.’ Rooney’s visits north of the Border have included attending the away end at Ibrox for an Old Firm game — ‘I didn’t go in disguise or anything,’ he says when asked about how he managed it He’ll even lead the England players in a huddle in the moments before kick-off tonight at Celtic Park. Comparing the atmosphere to the infamous ‘Welcome to Hell’ shenanigans of Istanbul, Rooney said: ‘It’s different, the history between England and Scotland. Istanbul is more aggressive. This has more of a football feel to it. ‘The huddle has come from all of us as a team. It’s not something I chose to do myself. ‘It came from the team, the manager. It’s good. I think it shows the togetherness of the team. ‘Up to now I’ve spoken, and a few lads have jumped in after I’ve spoken, which is great. It shows everyone is wanting to be vocal. It’s something we’ll continue to do.’ Rooney will, however, take time to seek out his closest friend in the ‘enemy’ camp and offer a warm embrace to the man whose comeback has inspired so many in football. The Manchester United striker is close friends with club-mate Darren Fletcher, who is likely to be on the bench for Scotland. Speaking about the midfielder’s recovery from a serious bowel condition that put his entire career at risk, England captain Rooney said: ‘It’s incredible for him to be back playing, to be back in the Scotland team. It shows the character he is, the type of person he is. ‘It was a hard moment for Darren and his family and he’s come through that with flying colours. He doesn’t miss a training session. He trains really hard, so I’m really pleased he’s come through. ‘We’re great friends off the pitch, but for 90 minutes we’re opponents.’