Ferguson praises former sparring partner Rooney for braving Everton return

Duncan Ferguson has heaped praise on Wayne Rooney for agreeing to play for Everton again, and has revealed that a right hook from the Manchester United striker ended their brief sparring sessions. The 29-year-old Red Devils skipper has agreed to don the blue shirt for the first time since 2004 in Ferguson’s testimonial match against Villarreal on Sunday. Rooney left the Toffees under a cloud, having handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move to Old Trafford, but Ferguson maintains that the forward will receive a positive reception. “It was a long time ago and, as far as I’m concerned, he is one of us and I’m sure he’ll get a good reception,” he said. “I did consider one or two others but Wayne is still playing and I wanted him back for that personal touch. “I asked Wayne and he was delighted. We probably drifted away from each other over the last few years because you move on and that happens. But I wanted him to play in this game and I am chuffed to bits that he accepted. “I played with Wayne when he made his debut at Wrexham and scored twice. We hit it off on the pitch from the start – he did what I told him to do but about three weeks later he was telling me what to do!” Ferguson has also revealed that he and Rooney used to spar together, before a fierce punch from the young striker put an end to their boxing sessions. “I am always in the gym and I remember us putting on the boxing gloves one day and having a spar. We were in the gym lifting weights. It was an off-the-cuff thing and I have to say he was a handy fighter,” he added. “I remember getting punched right in the forehead by him. He was wearing the right glove and I was the one hiding away. We only did it once – I never wanted to do it again. He was handy.”