Running in the family

The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup
The Final
Sunday 26 April 2009
2pm, Anfield, Liverpool FC
Winning club will receive £2000, losing club will receive £1000

Ahead of this weekend's FA Sunday Cup Final, a quick look down the list of players and staff from Oyster Martyrs FC reveals a somewhat familiar family name.

Starting at the top with boss Richie Rooney and then into the playing squad with his son Thomas and nephew Graham, all are family members of one of Croxteth’s most famous footballing sons.

England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has kept a close eye on Oyster’s progress over the season, particularly given that defender Graham is his brother and been a regular in the team during their run to The Final.

Meanwhile, striker Thomas has been showing some of the striking instinct of his cousin through the various rounds, including one of the crucial goals in their Semi-Final victory over Fforde Grene Brazil.

With Rooney due to face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday, he is hoping that he will be free to attend Sunday's Final to support the Martyrs and he will no doubt be a welcome sight in the crowd if that is the case, having already been to watch a number of their games over the season.

"If I'm not training or playing, and I get the chance, then I'll definitely be there," revealed Wayne, who was in sparkling form for England in the recent victories against Slovakia and Ukraine at Wembley.

"It's something my brother and cousin have worked hard for.

“My uncle Richie is the manager as well, so it's a great achievement for them to make it through to The Final.

“It's a difficult competition to win so hopefully they can go on and do it.”

Whilst Wayne missed the Semi-Final victory last month due to his involvement in United’s Premiership game with Fulham, he was quickly on the phone the following day to find out how they had fared.

"I'm always texting and phoning to find out how they get on after the games,” he added.

“So I'm really delighted they've got to The Final. Hopefully they can win it and bring some silverware back to Crocky!”