Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has told Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to button it if he wants to lead England to World Cup glory.

McCarthy is used to working with hot-headed players, having been in charge of the Republic of Ireland when Roy Keane famously stormed out of the World Cup in 2002.

But McCarthy, who jets out to South Africa tomorrow, says he would not change Rooney or his approach - but admits he must be more careful not to cross the disciplinary tightrope.

McCarthy said: "If it was me as his manager, the only reason I would be annoyed would be that in another situation, Wayne Rooney could have got himself sent off. Rooney is such a terrific player that you always need him playing. But would I want him to change the way he plays or his desire? No chance. But Rooney's game is all about being competitive, determined and if you take that out of his game then he's not the same player.

"The worry though is that if he does that again in a World Cup then he could get sent off. That is something that players have to think about and deal with themselves. It's the players who have to channel their temper, their energy and the fire in their belly in the right direction rather than take out their frustration on the officials.

"That's what I mean when I say my only annoyance would be that he gets so upset when things go against him. In fairness, he'll know that. It's better it happens now. He has dealt with things much better recently and you can see that in the way he has been playing. He's been superb for his club and is in a great place to keep on improving.

"Wayne Rooney is a top, top player. To win the World Cup, you need all of your top players firing, determined and at their best. Fabio Capello will know that. That's why I don't believe a word of it if anyone's suggesting that he's upset with Wayne Rooney.

"Of course he wouldn't want him to get booked, but he will love the passion and commitment from the player. But where England, Rooney and the rest of the players must be aware is that in every World Cup, the officials clamp down on something.

"Whether it's tackling from behind, two-footed tackles or back chat to referees, we know from experience that there will be something. There's always something new in every tournament that sees players booked or get sent off and then get suspended for games.

"That's something that you have to look out for because if it's swearing or back chat to referees then it's so important that the players keep their discipline."