Fabio Capello hopes UEFA will reduce Rooney ban

Fabio Capello has said that he is hoping for leniency from UEFA in Wayne Rooney's appeal against his three-match ban.

Rooney was handed the ban after being sent off for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during the 2-2 draw with Montenegro in October.

The FA have put together a case – including a written letter by Dzudovic asking that the ban be reduced – that is to be put before the UEFA panel on Thursday.

"The sentence, three games, was too much for me and I hope the appeal will help us reduce the sentence," said Capello.

"I hope he'll be available for the third game. I hope they understand our lawyer, what Rooney says and what I will say at the committee."

Rooney will miss the three group games at the European Champions should the appeal be rejected.