Berti Vogts has revealed that he once boarded a plane to Liverpool to try and convince the then rising star Wayne Rooney to play for Scotland.
Vogts, who managed Scotland from 2002 to 2004, said Rooney was eligible because his grandmother was Scottish. But Rooney, who was playing at Everton, turned down the offer. He then made his England debut in February 2003 and has since scored 36 goals in 84 internationals.
Speaking ahead of his Azerbaijan side's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, Vogts said Rooney insisted he was English when they met, telling him "I'm sorry boss, I'm English."
Vogts made his comments after being asked his views on the debate over national eligibility after England midfielder Jack Wilshere expressed unease at calls for young foreign-born players to be naturalized.
