Express & Star

Darren Moore recalls Wayne Rooney spat

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West Brom coach Darren Moore has hailed the talent of Wayne Rooney – after recalling the time he once received hate mail for criticising the England captain.

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Moore was less than impressed with Rooney's attitude after coming up against him while as a player with the Baggies, back when the Three Lions record-goalscorer was a 17-year-old at Everton.

'Big Dave' was irked by what he saw as showboating during the November 2002 defeat to the Toffees.

Moore wrote in his Express & Star column the following week that the young forward had been 'a bit too clever for his boots' and needed to cut the arrogance from his game.

It provoked quite the response, with Moore saying: "I remember all of the hate mail. I came in on the Monday and I'd never had so many letters – all from Everton fans. They were having a right go."

He went on: "I remember him (Rooney) putting his hands on his hips. I said he had to play his game and have that arrogance, but you don't have to do things like that.

"He has learnt how to control that aggression and use it in the right manner. He possess unbelievable qualities."