IT'S time for Wayne Rooney to stand up on his own two feet.

I'm all in favour of Everton manager David Moyes protecting his young striker from the rigours of playing up to 60 games a season for Everton and England.

His performance against Slovakia on Wednesday was of a player who faced one game too many.

But it's off the pitch where I have the problem.

The protective cloak thrown around the 17-year-old by his manager can only have a detrimental effect.

Rooney, whether he likes it or not, will live the rest of his footballing life in a goldfish bowl. Every move will be analysed and criticised.

Instead of being shielded, he needs to know how to defend himself.

I was at the BBC North West Sports Personality of the Year awards in December.

Rooney walked away with the Young Footballer of the Year prize, and was invited on stage to collect his award. Moyes followed him up.

Host Gordon Burns had questioned every winner on the night, including 14-year-old gymnast Beth Tweddle.

"It must be a dream, Wayne, to play for the club you supported as a boy," asked Burns.

Moyes butted in: "Yes, it is for him. He's supported Everton as a lad."

Burns tried again: "Can you believe what's happened to you in the past year?"

Again, Moyes answered - and so it went on for several questions, as the audience descended into chuckles.

"Thank you," said Moyes, and player and manager marched off, without Rooney muttering a single word.

I understand Rooney is young, and by all accounts, shy.

So isn't that more of a reason to teach him how to handle the Press, rather than shelter him? He's not going to learn anything by having people speak for him.

I met Michael Owen as an 18-year-old and Alan Shearer, aged 20. Both were polite and confident. They were used to fending off questions, even at that early age. It was all part and parcel of being a top footballer.

If Rooney is to survive in the footballing jungle, he needs the weapons to protect himself - or he could be torn apart.