Wayne Rooney: Father Arrested as Rooney Prepares for Euro 2012 Qualifier

There is nothing like adding a tremendous amount of drama to an event already rife with the stuff. Wayne Rooney is tasked with playing football while his father is being implicated in a gambling scandal. 

Wayne Rooney is on his way to Montenegro with the rest of the English squad. Friday presents them with an opportunity to qualify for Euro 2012. They simply need a tie to get into the all-important tournament next year. 

Rooney's mind should be completely on the task at hand. Surprisingly, he is as poised as he should be, despite news that his father and uncle have been arrested for betting irregularities. 

Fox Sports reports, "(Rooney's) 48-year-old father, who is also named Wayne, and 54-year-old uncle Richie Rooney were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud along with seven other men."

It is important to note that the English striker is not implicated in the investigation. The arrests center around Motherwell's home match against Hearts at Fir Park on December 14th. That is a match Motherwell lost 2-1. 

One player that is being questioned is Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings. The betting query centers around a player that received a red card. Jennings had been given a straight red only eight minutes into that match. 

Rooney has done well to separate personal matters from business that needs to take place on the pitch. The report quotes English side boss Fabio Capello as stating, "I spoke to (Rooney) and I found him relaxed and calm. No problems for the game tomorrow against Montenegro."

Skipper John Terry had the same assessment of his pal and national side teammate: 

"

Wayne's focused on the game tomorrow. We all realize the importance of that. As I've said before, it's important for him to go out and play his football, which he loves doing.

Tomorrow's game is the most important thing and we all realize that and appreciate how difficult the game is going to be.

"

Rooney looks as primed to deliver as ever. The striker has been keyed in for domestic and international duties early on this year. 

The Rooney name still has tremendous standing as the son plays for the pride of the nation. A crucial qualifier is Friday, and Rooney will not be swayed.