Clough’s burn-out warning to Rooney

BRIAN CLOUGH has warned Everton’s Wayne Rooney to be wary of burning out after his impressive England debut.

The former Nottingham Forest and Derby manager, who survived an eight-hour liver operation in January, believes the 17-year-old could be in danger of burn-out if he lets fame go to his head.

Clough said: “He’s absolutely incredible at 17. He’s 17 going on 47 now. It is a different world to when I was 17.”

Clough believes Rooney’s full England debut in the 2-0 win over Turkey at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light showed the maturity of the player on the pitch.

“He put in a mature performance which was incredible for his age,” said Clough.

“He stood his ground with people who had been in the game 15 years, people who were in the game before he was born.”

But Clough voiced concern over the long-term effects on Rooney of having fame and fortune at such a young age.

“I think ‘what’s he going to be like when he’s 45?’

“With the pressure on him, if he doesn’t handle it right he will be burnt out. He’s getting things so quickly so I am concerned for him.”

Clough admitted England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had done the right thing by resisting the calls to put Rooney in the team earlier than he did.

“I admire the England manager by not putting Rooney in straight away,” said Clough, who also praised David Moyes’ handling of the player.

“I admire the Everton manager for treating him as one of the lads.”

Clough also claimed that had he been England manager today he would have been able to help Rooney.

“If you could have worked with anybody to keep your feet on the floor, I was the man,” he said.