Wayne Rooney backed to control temper

Injured England captain Rio Ferdinand has backed England star Wayne Rooney to control his temper during the World Cup in South Africa.



Rooney was booked in yesterday\'s warm-up win over Platinum Stars and accused of using \"vulgar language\" by the referee.



Official Jeff Selogilwe also warned Rooney he risks being sent off at the World Cup unless he curbs his temper.



However, Ferdinand says Rooney is experienced now and his disciplinary record has been magnificent over the last couple of years.



The 24-year-old Rooney was sent off at the last World Cup in 2006, dismissed for stamping on Portugal\'s Ricardo Carvalho in their quarter-final tie.



And signs of the disciplinary problems that threatened to hamper the Manchester United player\'s early career reared themselves again in the 3-0 victory over South African club side Platinum Stars.



Ahead of the match, England vice-captain Frank Lampard had warned his team-mates that discipline on the field will be a key factor if they are to be successful in the tournament.



However, Rooney appeared to become embroiled in a second-half spat with Platinum Stars\' Kagiso Senamela before being booked for dissent.



Rooney apologised to the referee after the game but decided against giving him his shirt, as had apparently been agreed beforehand.