Amid the rancour over Wayne Rooney's personal life and Ferguson's decision to leave his star striker out of Saturday's shock draw at Everton, it has largely been ignored that the Manchester United man's two England games triggered an impressive return to form.

Three assists against Bulgaria, followed by a goal and an outstanding performance under severe pressure in Switzerland should ensure Rooney is in decent form providing his head is right for tonight's Champions League duel with Rangers at Old Trafford.

"We expect a good performance from him," said Ferguson. "He will always prove his worth because he is a terrific player.

"I don't know if the situation will inspire him but his performances for England and the fact he scored was a boost."

Ferguson does not appear to harbour the same concerns about putting Rooney in his starting line-up tonight as he did at Goodison Park.

There have been claims that Ferguson's declaration that he wanted to save Rooney from abuse at the home of his former club was merely a smokescreen and the real reason for his omission was punishment for the allegations affecting his private life.

Yet Ferguson is sticking to his mantra. Moreover, the Scot insisted he made the right call to leave Rooney out this weekend, just as he is certain the 24-year-old is ready to face Rangers this evening.

"I have no regrets at all. I did the right thing," said Ferguson. "I left him out for the reasons I said on Saturday. I was not going to subject him to that nonsense at that ground.

"It was a benefit to our team but I have no concerns about playing him at all."

Still, the Rangers fans being bussed into Manchester from Wigan to ensure there is no repeat of the violence which scarred the Glasgow giants' visit to the city for the 2008 UEFA Cup final will have a direct line of attack.

Not that Rangers skipper David Weir feels that is entirely a wise tactic to pursue.

"I am more interested in Wayne Rooney as a footballer and I don't think there is any need to give him any encouragement," said the veteran defender, a former team-mate from their Everton days.

"He is one of the best players in the world."