Former England legend Paul Gascoigne today spoke in glowing terms about the futu

Former England legend Paul Gascoigne today spoke in glowing terms about the future of England and Everton starlet Wayne Rooney

Former England legend Paul Gascoigne today spoke in glowing terms about the future of young England and Everton starlet Wayne Rooney, stating that his passion and enthusiasm for the game reminded him a young Paul Gascoigne.

"I would go and play for the first team at Newcastle and then go back and play with the lads in the park and I've heard Wayne is doing something similar," the 35 year old commented. 

The former Everton and England superstar is predicting big things for the Blues youngster and fully expects Rooney to mature into a footballing legend at Goodison Park.

But Gascoigne believes Rooney must discipline himself on and off the field in order to avoid the pitfalls that have littered his career.

Rooney, who was promoted to the Under-21 squad for the get together last month, shot to national prominence following 2 outstanding goals against Arsenal and Leeds in October/November - aged just 16 - and was then named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, capping the end of a fantastic debut year.

Gazza, who was forced to live his life in the media spotlight following his brilliant performances that helped England reach the Semi-Finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, can see similarities between Rooney and himself as a youngster.

The 35-year-old said: "He is a fantastic player and as long as he keeps his head right he will go on to be a great, an unbelievable player."

Rooney, 17, is set to sign his first professional contract with Everton later this month after a dazzling start to his first full season.

Gascoigne, who won 57 caps for England scoring 10 goals, is now considering a move to first division Gillingham in a bid to resurrect his career.