Sunderland fullback Phil Bardsley has jumped to the defence of former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney.
Bardsley is set to continue at left-back in place of the injured Kieran Richardson for their clash with United.
He told the Sunderland Chronicle: "People are talking about Wayne and why he is not doing this or that, but he is a player who will turn on the magic in the blink of an eye.
"He had a tough World Cup and a tough start to the season with things happening in his life, but I know Wayne and know the type of lad he is.
"Nothing fazes him and I am sure when he rediscovers a bit of confidence and finds his feet again he will be hard to stop.
"Hopefully, United do not spring a surprise and chuck him in against us because you would not put it beyond them. I know he is supposed to be injured, but . . .
"Wayne is a proper lad. On the field and off the field, he is a great kid.
"He always puts 100% in. I saw Ruud van Nistelrooy saying the other day he thought Wayne was using his energy in the wrong areas and not where he can hurt teams.
"He is not getting in and around the box where he can hurt teams like he did last season. That is just Wayne - his passion is second to none and he will go anywhere on the pitch to help the team. He is a fantastic player."
