Wayne Rooney looked like a young man in need of advice after a show of temper during England's defeat in Belfast was followed by a childish reaction that earned a red card during Manchester United's 0-0 draw away to Villarreal in the Champions League. Now he is being offered more advice than he may be able to cope with.
It has ranged from suggestions that he should carry on as he is - brilliant but temperamental - and just accept that all such players always suffer at the hands of their detractors, to recommendations that a psychologist could set him right.
Sir Bobby Charlton adheres to the former school of thought.
"There is no great difference between Wayne Rooney and Denis Law and George Best," he said. "Denis and George were always getting sent off for stupid things, never for serious foul play. It was part of their make-up. It never changed and Wayne will not change either, nor should you want him to."
Sven Goran Eriksson's message was "steadier as you go".
The England coach said: "It has been a difficult time for Wayne but I am certain he will learn from his mistakes and bounce back. He is only 19 and he is already one of the best young players in the world."
David James, the Manchester City and occasional England goalkeeper who has used a sports psychologist for many years, thinks that the fiery forward should do likewise.
"It's helped me," James said. "I'm a much-improved goalkeeper, professional athlete if you like, because of my psychology work. So it does help. He will learn, I'm sure."
Whether he takes any of the advice, Rooney has to find a way of coping with the pressures if he is to help either his club or country to achieve their aims.
- INDEPENDENT
Soccer: Rooney following in footsteps of best
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