I won´t tame Rooney: Capello

Fabio Capello insists he has no plans to subdue Wayne Rooney's aggressive streak after the Manchester United and England striker landed himself in hot water again for his petulant stamp on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard.

Rooney is the subject of a UEFA investigation for stamping his boot onto Risgard's chest during United's 2-2 Champions League draw against Aalborg at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

It is not the first time Rooney's notoriously short fuse has got him into trouble but England coach Capello has no plans to tell the 23-year-old to keep his temper in check.

“Rooney is Rooney. He is a very important player for us. He is always very strong,” Capello said.

“When he played with us he was aggressive but not unfair with opposing players. He was strong, not unfair. This is important.

“I didn't see the game because I was on holiday in South Africa so I have to check and see the DVD, but Rooney, with us, played always very well.”

While Rooney is certain to remain a key part of Capello's team regardless of his disciplinary problems, his former strike partner Michael Owen has found himself discarded by England's Italian boss.

Owen hasn't featured in England's World Cup qualifying campaign due to a lack of form and fitness, but he has rediscovered his scoring touch in recent weeks, with three goals in his last two matches for Newcastle.

Capello, speaking to reporters here Monday to mark the end of his first year in charge, told Owen he could still get back in the squad if he stays fit.

“Always I say the door of the national team is open for all the players. I will check him in January to see if he is okay for the next squad,” Capello said.

“He is an important player. I read he has played well and scored. The most important thing in that period will be if he is fit because the last three times he was not fit.”

Capello also warned David Beckham he must play regularly during his loan spell with AC Milan to have a chance of getting back in the team.

“We will check him. If he plays, it is possible he will be with us, but if he doesn't he will not be with us. This is the same for all the players,” former Milan manager Capello added.

“I check and speak with the other coaches. I will speak with my assistants Franco (Baldini), Stuart (Pearce) and decide the squad.”

Capello's first year in charge ended in style with a 2-1 win over Germany that heralded the arrival on the international scene of the Aston Villa duo of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.

Agbonlahor was particularly impressive in Berlin but Capello surprisingly claimed that James Milner, another English youngster starring for Villa, could be in line for a call-up.

“I am very happy for the players that play with Aston Villa. They are young, interesting players. I follow always the performance of these players,” he said. “Another young one that I like is Milner. These players are the future.”