Vieira support for Rooney

Patrick Vieira has urged Wayne Rooney not to cool his fiery temper.

Rooney was dismissed during Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie in Spain after sarcastically applauding Kim Milton Nielsen's decision to book him for a foul.

Though it was only Rooney's second red card of his career, the teenage forward has previously been involved in several heated altercations with opposition players.

But Juventus midfielder Vieira believes Rooney's tempestuous character is a key facet behind him becoming England's best young player of his generation.

Vieira does not feel it is necessary for the United ace to change dramatically and expects Rooney will eventually learn to control the wilder side of his nature.

"I think the potential and talent is there," Vieira told Sky Sports News. "There's no doubt about it, he's a fantastic player.

"He is a terrific player who has just started and everybody looks after him but, after all, you need that temperament and anger as it's part of his game.

"I hope he's not going to change it. That's how he is and, if he is who he is right now, it's because he's a strong player.

"He just needs to learn a little bit about it but I'm not worried about it. He will sort himself out."

Former Arsenal captain Vieira was also sent off on Wednesday as Juventus earned a 2-1 victory at Club Brugge, with the Frenchman unhappy with his dismissal.

He added: "It was really harsh and difficult to accept.

"After all it is the decision of the referee and I have to accept it but what is important is to win and take three points."

Vieira's ex-Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie was another player to see red on Wednesday after a high challenge on FC Thun defender Alen Orman.

Van Persie has endured a troubled past couple of months but Vieira has backed the Dutch international to come good for The Gunners.

"The potential, of course, is there for Robin," continued Vieira. "He has a fantastic left foot and is a terrific player.

"He will need to play a little bit more to get confidence. It's all about confidence with him at the moment. The more he gets on the pitch, the more confidence he will have."