KLINSMANN: DON'T OVER-BURDEN ROONEY

Jurgen Klinsmann has warned England supporters not to place too much expectation on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney.

Germany coach Klinsmann, who may have to find a way to contain the Manchester United youngster, recognises Rooney as a fearsome talent but fears the 20-year-old may get over-burdened.
Klinsmann knows plenty about the difficulties of pressure himself having led the German line at three World Cups.
The former Tottenham striker told the League Managers Association website: "Wayne Rooney is, undoubtedly, one of the most talented young players in the world today.
"He has shown that he can perform exceptionally well on football's major stages as evidenced in Portugal at Euro 2004 and in many of his performances in the UEFA Champions League.
"Rooney is that rare player who appears to play by intuition and is able to change the course of a game with powerful runs, strong shooting and incisive passing.
"I hope that fans and the media do not burden him with the expectations of an entire country.
"He is surrounded by other established and accomplished players, who can and will, contribute to the team's performance."

ZICO JOINS THE ROONEY FAN CLUB

Former Brazilian star Zico has sung the praises of England striker Wayne Rooney and claimed: "He has the potential to be a legendary player."
Zico can even see some of the great Pele's qualities in the Manchester United forward, who turned in another five-star performance for his country in last night's World Cup qualifying victory over Poland at Old Trafford.
Zico said: "One of Pele's great qualities was that he could take any situation in his stride.
"From the little I have seen of Wayne, I think he can do that too. Great players always have the habit of being able to rise to the occasion.
"Like Pele used to, they puff out their chests and show the world who is in charge.
"I like Rooney's play very much. He is dangerous in front of goal but he is a good all-round footballer as well.
"He has the qualities I admire in a striker - pace, awareness and power.
"He is explosive too. He has the potential to be a legendary player."
Arsenal and French striker Thierry Henry has echoed Zico's sentiments, adding: "I have always said that Wayne Rooney is an amazing player, the kind of striker that any team in the world would like to have.

The England and Manchester United forward has been criticised for his petulant attitude and a lack of discipline which saw him sent off for his club last month and pick up unnecessary bookings at international level.
Questions remain over the 19-year-old's temperament and the debate continues to rage over whether his aggressive approach should be reined in but Blatter is in no doubt who should take responsibility for the teenager.
"When you play at the level he is playing he should be called to order," he said.
"Definitely his managers should be tougher on him. They should tell him 'You are so talented but keep [playing] in the right way'.
"This guy can go for 15 years but self-discipline and respect [is essential]."

UNITED ACE HUNGRY FOR GLORY

Wayne Rooney goes into the new season knowing that comparisons with footballing greats of the past will become valid only if he wins the biggest prizes.
The Manchester United striker was hailed as England's answer to Pele by Sir Bobby Charlton when he overcame injury to go to the World Cup this summer, while Sir Alex Ferguson has described him as the most talented player to emerge from the British Isles since George Best.
Rooney is both honoured and humbled to be placed in such hallowed company.
But while the 20-year-old Scouser's rise has been meteoric, it is medals rather than accolades that drive this genius - and he is aware that he must add to the solitary League Cup medal he won last season if he is to stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants of the game.
"I want to win everything - the Premiership, the Champions League and, yes, also the World Cup," said Rooney in an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport.
"It might not happen, but that's what my aim is. That's the reason why I'm in football".

"When the day comes for me to stop playing I want to be remembered as a winner. I want people to look back on my career and be impressed by the number of medals and trophies I have won.
"That's how I want to be remembered - as a player who won all the major trophies. It was unbelievable to hear the manager comparing me to George Best and Sir Bobby saying I can be like Pele.
"When our manager says something then you listen, while Sir Bobby was one of the game's true greats.
"It gives me a lot of confidence when people like that recognise my talents, but the only thing I am thinking about at the moment is to get even better and to become as good a player as possible.
"Hopefully, in 20 years' time, people will remember me the way we now remember the great players of the past.
"To do that I need to win things - the big competitions. That was why I joined Manchester United. Winning the Carling Cup last season was fantastic. It was great to win my first ever medal.
"But the medals that really matter at United are the Premiership and the Champions League. That's how it is at a club this size and hopefully we can achieve those things in the next few years."