IT might have been unwarranted and it might have been unforgivable, but Wayne Rooney's sarcastic clapping of referee Kim Milton Nielsen on Wednesday night was by no means unprecedented.

By mocking a footballing figure of authority, Rooney was merely mimicking the English game's former clown prince.

While playing for Rangers against Hibernian, Paul Gascoigne was famously booked for showing referee John Rowbotham the red card he had inadvertently dropped from his pocket.

Gascoigne's actions may have contained an element of humour that was lacking in Rooney's somewhat spiteful applause, but the two incidents underline the character flaws that connect the two England internationals.

So perhaps it should be no surprise that the former Newcastle midfielder sees elements of himself in football's latest teenage tearaway.

And, rather than criticising him at every opportunity, Gascoigne feels the English public should get off Rooney's back and cherish his silky skills.

"Wayne should be welcomed, cuddled and caressed and looked after a little bit more," said the Gateshead-born star, who was the centre of attention at a Variety Club event held at Newcastle City Hall yesterday.

"Wayne is a fantastic player who wants to win every game. But sometimes his determination gets the better of him.

"Unfortunate things like that happened to me many years ago. I did daft things like that as well - I once got booked for showing the referee a red card.

"But the rules have changed now and, if you applaud the referee, that is what happens."

Rooney's exalted position within the England set-up means he will be placed under intense scrutiny to rein in the more excessive aspects of his character.

And, while Gascoigne insists the 19-year-old cannot afford to lose the passion from his game, he is confident the youngster will gradually see the error of his ways.

"It will take time," he admitted. "And it is not going to happen straight away just because he got sent off.

"But, if it does not happen, then Wayne is a fool to himself. He will get fed up sitting in the stands all the time through suspension.

"Give it time - he will get fed up missing games because he has done a silly thing. That is how you learn."

Gascoigne's greatest hour came as England reached the last four of the World Cup in 1990 under Sir Bobby Robson and, while Sven-Goran Eriksson's side are yet to qualify for next year's finals in Germany, the 38-year-old is confident Rooney can inspire a similar success.

"He has to accept people are going to kick him and wind him up because he is a great player and he is going to have that for the rest of his life," said Gascoigne.

"He has to deal with it by saying 'You are only trying to kick me because I am the best in the world'.

"I have no doubt England can win the World Cup and I have no doubt Wayne is going to be one of the best players ever to come out of England - apart from me of course."