Coleman expects same old Rooney

Fulham boss Chris Coleman insists a "scary" encounter with Wayne Rooney has convinced him there will be no special welcome from the Manchester United striker on Sunday.

Rooney begins a three-match ban after the Cottagers showdown but Coleman does not believe the England marksman will be more fired up in anticipation of the lay-off.

"It's not possible for Wayne to get pumped up more than he does for a game, whoever it's for or against," he said. "I was on holiday 12 months ago and he was staying in the same hotel. He was playing football with his mates and he was exactly the same as he is in any competitive match."

He added: "Actually it was scary! He can't help himself - he loves football and loves to win. He will be as pumped up for us as any other game because that's the way he played.

"Wayne is a great player. A lot of good players don't like the physical side of it, but he doesn't care. He can do the physical stuff and play football.

"He can become the best player in the world if he continues to develop the way he has been. A lot is said about his temperament but that fire drives him on."

Paul Scholes will also begin a three-match ban following the Fulham game after picking up two yellow cards in the same pre-season friendly that accounted for Rooney.

Coleman believes it is "strange" their suspension did not begin in time for the opening Barclays Premiership match.

"We were in Germany when they got sent off and when we heard the news our minds were racing because at the time Rio Ferdinand wasn't fit," he said.

"I thought it was too good to be true and I was right. It's a strange situation. The season starts at the weekend and it's strange they will play the first game but miss the next three."