Rooney will learn - Eriksson

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed Wayne Rooney to bounce back from his red card shame in Villarreal on Wednesday night.

The Swede was in the crowd when Rooney received a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding referee Kim Milton Nielsen’s decision to book him for a foul on Quique Alvarez.

Coming just seven days after the teenage striker lost his temper in such a public fashion during England’s World Cup defeat in Northern Ireland, the incident raised obvious question marks over Rooney’s ability to keep control in hostile environments.

However, suggestions Eriksson was fuming at Rooney’s latest indiscretion have been vehemently denied by Football Association insiders and the England coach has now publicly expressed his support for a player who will be an integral part of his World Cup squad providing they qualify for next summer’s finals in Germany.

“I know it has been a difficult time for Wayne recently but I am absolutely certain he will learn from his mistakes and bounce back,” said Eriksson.

“He is only 19 and he is already one of the best young players in the world.

“Wayne has a tremendous desire to win every game he plays as all great players do. He is a winner and he is one of the players who can make a difference for England now and for many years to come.”

The ringing endorsement follows similar praise from Manchester United team-mates Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smih and Darren Fletcher.

United boss Alex Ferguson has already made it clear he has no intention of dropping the former Everton front-man for tomorrow’s trip to Liverpool, even though Rooney is guaranteed a hostile reception, ensuring Eriksson gets another chance to see the striker in action as he will also be at Anfield.