WAYNE ROONEY hasn’t suffered such a nasty cut since the first visit to the barber’s following his hair transplant.

And that deep gash suffered last weekend has come at precisely the wrong time for the Manchester United striker.

For the first time, Rooney’s automatic starting role for both club and country is coming under threat.

If the arrival of Robin van Persie has increased competition at Old Trafford, then Rooney’s lacklustre performances at Euro 2012 have increased the belief perhaps he shouldn’t be able to walk straight back into the team after each misdemeanour.

Having his thigh ripped open was hardly Rooney’s fault. But on his return to fitness, Rooney must be made to prove just why he is rightly regarded as one of the finest English talents of his generation.

ANY supporter who travels around the country to watch their team will no doubt have used the train at some point.

So let’s all join together in the hope that Virgin Trains succeed in their attempts to prevent the West Coast Main Line franchise being awarded to transport company FirstGroup.

Virgin aren’t perfect. But should their efforts fail, Merseyside fans with experience of FirstGroup will know to expect a lot more hassle and cost getting to London grounds and beyond in the coming years.