SO Wayne Rooney has got a temper - we haven't learnt anything new there have we?

The national headlines are full of phrases such as 'Rooney the Looney' after his 45 minutes against the Platinum Stars yesterday. Talk about hanging a man before he is judged.

Rooney will always be walking a fine line between brilliance and stupidity but he isn't exactly the first of the game's gifted geniuses to have a mean streak.

It is that competitive spirit that makes him the player he is. What would you prefer? Someone like Rooney who charges around and plays with his heart on his sleeve or Emile Heskey's puppy-dog displays.

Of course, if Rooney's temperament lets him down on the big stage again, like it did four years ago, then villify him. But, until that, lets get behind him.

What did he really do wrong yesterday? He swore at a referee and got booked. Not exactly the crime on the century.

You can bet your bottom dollar he will be hailed as a national hero if England do pull off the improbable and bring the trophy home.

All I am asking is give him a break.