Owen's words of advice to Rooney

Last updated : 04 April 2003 By Gary Purvis
The Everton youngster stole the show at the Stadium of Light and Owen was impressed with his performance.

"Wayne did really well," said the Liverpool striker. "I think the Turkish defenders were worried by the pace we had up front and we knew we could surprise them."

"It was a shame from his point of view he didn't have many chances but he had a great game and a goal probably would have capped it all nicely for him.

"Everyone is trying to give him advice, but I think the important thing is not to bombard him with too much all the time.

"Sometimes you can end up with too much information if everyone is trying to help you. Before the game I just told him to play his normal game.

"There were one or two tactical things I mentioned, but mainly it was all about making sure he played naturally whenever he had the ball. I think he did that.

"To make it to the top in this game means getting it right - right off the pitch as well as on it. I think a lot of it is mental and if he can cope with that he'll have no problem in the future."