Rio Ferdinand tips Wayne Rooney to "bounce back"

Rio Ferdinand believes that his Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney will "bounce back" from his sending off during England's match against Montenegro last night.

The striker was handed his marching orders for kicking out at Montenegrin centre-back Miodrag Dzudovic during the second half of yesterday's 2-2 draw in Podgorica.

Rooney's dismissal has stolen the morning's headlines but Ferdinand has claimed that the team's qualification for the European Championships next year is more significant.

"Wazza will bounce back as per usual don't worry," Ferdinand said on Twitter. "We are through so let's concentrate on that which is of more importance than any individual."

Ferdinand was omitted from the squad that travelled to Montenegro by manager Fabio Capello.