Oh for gosh sakes, at least post the story's lead for those of us with lousy 56k connections at home. <mutter>Darn journalist wanabes. Can't be bothered to learn the trade.</mutter>
What it boils down to is that McIlroy enquired with a "third party" whether Rooney would be interested in playing for Northern Ireland. (he has some non-English relatives) Then Rooney told him where to go.