Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is backing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to come good today against Germany. Although the 24-year-old did impress at times during the do-or-die win over Slovenia on Wednesday, he still seems troubled by the ankle injury he sustained on Champions League duty for Manchester United at the beginning of April.

An ill-advised rant at the England fans who booed their team after that tepid draw with Algeria offered a further hint all is not well with Fabio Capello's talisman.

However, Carragher has no doubt Rooney will eventually shine brightly.

"We are just waiting for Wayne to take off," said Carragher. "If he had been banging all sorts of goals in of course we would be delighted but the way I look at it, if Wayne Rooney has gone eight games without a goal there must be one round the corner."

Carragher can speak with such certainty because he realises the hype that has grown around Rooney is not based on a false assessment.

From watching him, playing against him and now, training with him, the Liverpool defender can see the ability that has been lauded by so many.

"Rooney is one of the best players in the world," he said. "He was the top player in the country this season. There are no worries there.

"I suppose if he had three quiet games at Manchester United he would always have another chance to put it right.

"With England there is a lot more focus.

"We didn't create too much in the first game and, as a striker, you can't do it on your own.

"But he played well against Slovenia. If we keep creating chances I am sure he will put them away because special players produce special moments."