Rooney grateful to Hodgson

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has thanked England manager Roy Hodgson for his inclusion in the squad to face Scotland on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old is yet to make an appearance for United's first team in pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury just days into their tour of Asia and then damaging his shoulder in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Real Betis last week.
However, he has been selected regardless for the Wembley clash, and insists he is looking forward to playing.
Rooney posted a message on his official Facebook page before Rio Ferdinand's testimonial on Friday evening, which the striker was not involved in, and did not attend.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the England international, who has less than two years to run on his current Old Trafford deal.
Former United boss Alex Ferguson revealed Rooney had asked to leave the club at the end of last term, and Jose Mourinho's side have already seen bids rejected, reportedly against the forward's wishes.
"Can't wait to join up with the England squad and hopefully play in a competitive match, they always are against Scotland," he wrote.
"Big thanks to Roy Hodgson for selecting me and showing his faith and support, appreciate it."
Rooney scored 16 goals in 37 games last season for United, but found his opportunities limited by the arrival of Robin van Persie, who has firmly established himself as United's first-choice striker.

Moyes has already confirmed the Dutchman will be his main attacker in his first season in the Old Trafford dug-out, which is thought to have only cemented Rooney's desire to depart.

Balotelli given all clear on calf injury

The calf injury sustained by Mario Balotelli during the pre-season clash with LA Galaxy is not as bad as first feared, Milan have confirmed.
Balotelli, playing in only his second game of pre-season, opened the scoring in the 17th minute of the International Champions Cup clash against the MLS side, before being replaced with 10 minutes to play with a problem in his right calf.
Milan have since revealed that upon his arrival back in Italy the striker underwent scans to ascertain the extent of the injury. However, the results have proved positive.
A statement on the club's official website read: "AC Milan report that the tests carried out on Mario Balotelli's calf this morning produced no negative results."
With Italy's friendly against Argentina just five days away, it is still unclear whether Balotelli will be involved for Cesare Prandelli's side, although he is expected to be ready for Milan's Serie A opener with Verona on August 24.

The 22-year-old, who has 25 international caps, scored 12 goals in 13 Serie A appearances for Milan last season.

Cissokho on brink of Liverpool switch

Valencia defender Aly Cissokho is on the verge of joining Premier League side Liverpool after agreeing personal terms at Anfield.
The left-back, who joined Valencia from Lyon in 2012, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Liverpool and Sunderland thought to be interested in his services.
Valencia have yet to agree to allow the 25-year-old to leave the Mestalla, but Liverpool appear to have stolen a march on other potential suitors.
"Liverpool offered me something and it's true I came to an agreement with them," Cissokho told Le10Sport.
"Now it is the clubs who must decide.
"We should know more this week. If nothing is happening, it will undoubtedly mean that I will not go to Liverpool.
Liverpool are hoping to sign Cissokho on a season-long loan deal, while Valencia are only willing to offload the Frenchman on a permanent deal.
Cissokho confirmed that a disagreement over the terms of the transfer is preventing the deal from progressing, but he stressed that he is happy to remain in Valencia.
"It is the terms of the transfer", Cissokho added.
"Liverpool would like a loan with an option (to buy) while Valencia prefer a straight transfer.

"If I don't leave, it will not be a problem. I am good in Valencia."