WAYNE ROONEY is ready to “explode” according to Steve McClaren.
And it will be by scoring against Macedonia today rather than losing his notoriously fragile temper.
England boss McClaren said: “Wayne is one of those players that will explode and hopefully that will be in this game.
“It’s great to have him back in the squad and to see him in training. He’s getting back to his best. We know that and everybody knows that.
“Wayne only wants to play football. He comes alive on the field and that’s where we want him as often as possible.”
Roo returns for the Euro 2008 qualifier at Old Trafford following a two-match ban for his World Cup red card against Portugal.
The Manchester United star, 20, has not bagged a competitive goal for England since the Euro 2004 finals against Croatia.
But McClaren is convinced he will come good, starting against Macedonia.
Mac is aware, however, that when Rooney gets frustrated the sparks can fly.
He said: “There are lots of aspects to Wayne’s game that need improving even now and that’s just one of them.
“It’s an area he is trying to improve on but you can’t take away his strengths.
“He is a winner, a competitor and someone who challenges and gets frustrated if things aren’t going his way. But it’s all about control.
“Emotional control is key in international football. We talk about it to the whole team.”
Sven Goran Eriksson was obsessed with Rooney.
But Mac said: “It’s not just about Wayne Rooney.
“We’ve played three games without Wayne and won them all, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.”
Roo’s United pal Gary Neville said: “Wayne’s a fighter and that’s why people enjoy watching every minute of every game he plays.”
With his temper, no matter how good his skills are, he's not going to be the right player for the team.