Moyes wary of Rooney

The Toffees manager is thrilled his striking starlet is being recognised at international level, but still feels an air of caution should be sounded on the young hit-man.

Rooney scored his second consecutive England goal on Wednesday, after following up his strike against FYR Macedonia with a well-taken volley against Liechtenstein.

While the youngster is delivering the goods now for The Three Lions, Moyes wants him protecting in order for him to shine for many years to come.

"We have always thought that if we were going to play a 17-year-old in every game it would show we had problems. That is the same for England," said Moyes.

"He is still only 17 and there are a great deal of expectations on the lad which should not be there.

"He is a good lad who wants to learn and wants to listen. We are really pleased at Everton that he is playing for England but he needs looking after.

"He is an exceptionally talented footballer and we are trying to make sure he remains that and becomes better in the future."

Although club manager Moyes wants Rooney to feature less, England captain David Beckham believes he should play in their crunch qualifier against Turkey next month.

Should England avoid defeat in the clash they would qualify for next summer's European Championships, and the Real Madid man believes the youngster justifies his place in the side.

"We are lucky to have a talent like him," said Beckham. "He's only 17, but it doesn't matter what age you are.

"If you can play like that and put yourself around the pitch like that, then he deserves to be in the team.

"He's good enough to go out and play in Turkey. He's played in some volatile atmospheres before and he'll be able to handle it."