By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer |
Wayne Rooney must perfect the delicate balancing act that ensures temperament works in tandem with talent - and he must be given the opportunity to do it for England in Turkey.
Everton's 17-year-old striker should have been indelibly inked on Sven-Goran Eriksson's team-sheet even before the potentially catastrophic injury to Michael Owen.
And now, with Owen facing a race against time to be fit, Rooney's part in Eriksson's Istanbul game plan should come into even sharper focus.
Rooney terrified the Turks in Sunderland and has been on the scoresheet in England's last two qualifiers against Macedonia and Liechtenstein.
But suddenly, in a game where Eriksson may need the moment of inspiration Rooney can provide, questions are being asked about his inclusion.
And the doubts centre on Rooney's dubious disciplinary record of 14 yellow cards and one red in an Everton career that is barely past its first anniversary.
 |  We have never had a problem with Wayne Rooney's temperament when he has been with England |
True, Rooney's rabid ranting at referee Dermot Gallagher that earned him a booking at Spurs did not paint a pretty picture - and was a timely and convenient stick to beat him with.
It is also true that Eriksson would need to brief Rooney carefully not to fall into the obvious trap of falling for the taunts in Turkey.
But the footballing logic that suggests this short-fused streak should preclude him from inclusion against Turkey is fatally flawed.
Is it a serious suggestion that Eriksson should ditch Rooney - who has not been booked in seven England appearances - because he might stir the pot in Turkey?
Should he pick a player such as Liverpool's Emile Heskey, who will cause as little disturbance as possible in the Istanbul hot-house, least of all to Turkey goalkeeper Rustu given his goals record?
Rooney has already made his mark on Turkey - and it was no co-incidence Alpay was picking him out for verbal attention as the countdown to the Istanbul clash continued.
There has even been suggestions that Alan Shearer should be tempted out of retirement on a one-off basis, a panic measure the former England captain is too wise to encourage.
Or perhaps even bring back Teddy Sheringham, which would be official confirmation that England's attacking cupboard is frighteningly bare.
Shearer's own manager Sir Bobby Robson, is in no doubt Rooney should play: "I would like to see Wayne Rooney start up front. This kid can strike fear into the opposition, believe me.
"If I was in the Turkey dressing room and the team-sheet came through without Rooney's name, I would expect to see big smiles all round."
And Eriksson is equally insistent: "We have never had a problem with Wayne's temperament when he has been with England."
It is almost an insult to Eriksson to suggest he is not aware the Rooney's fuse is occasionally on the short side of non-existent.
| If I was in the Turkey dressing room and the team-sheet came through without Rooney's name, I would expect to see big smiles all round |
Rooney is a firebrand who is still maturing, and Eriksson would be making a serious error if he allowed his decision to be influenced by the doubts of others.
He is one of the select few England players with the ability to turn a game on its head in an instant and must start in Istanbul.
Eriksson, however, appears to have firm faith in the teenager who has already made a major England impact.
He said: "I'm not worried about his experience. I wasn't the first time we played against Turkey so why should I be now, even if we are playing a difficult game away?
"I don't think I should be worried about him or whether the game is too big for him as he's shown every time that nerves are not a problem for him.
"He is tough and does not appear troubled by nerves."
In other words, Eriksson recognised Rooney's importance even before Owen's injury - he must not start to doubt it with Owen a potential absentee.
MMIX
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