"Wayne has been training terrifically and his fitness levels are good. He's been on the football pitch this week and trained with the first team today," Ferguson told a press conference.

"Now he's got three days before the Fulham game and I hope he'll be ready."

The England international has been out for three weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in training.

The injury came at such a frustrating time for the 22-year-old, who was forming a formidable partnership with Argentinean striker Carlos Tevez.

However, Scottish manager Ferguson believes Rooney will not be heavily affected by the lay-off.

"He won't need long to get his rhythm back," he added.