TOWN defender Sean O'Hanlon is delighted that 'big ears' is enjoying the starring role that he predicted long ago for his former Everton teammate.

The 21-year-old is not surprised that 'Rooneymania' is currently sweeping the nation thanks to the Goodison Park teenager's Euro 2004 goalscoring antics.

As England prepare for a quarter-final clash with Portugal tomorrow night, former colleague O'Hanlon believes Wayne Rooney is well equipped to handle the growing accolades.

Europe may just be waking up to the youngster's talents, but O'Hanlon was singing the youngster's praises long before he became a household name.

Although Rooney was a couple of years behind O'Hanlon in the youth set-up, there was no question that he was streets ahead of his peers.

The Town man said: "When I was about 15, I remember telling my mates in my age group at Everton to watch out for the young 11-year-old kid with the big ears.

"That kid was Wayne Rooney and I'm not surprised that he's gone on to do so well.

"His group used to train just after ours, and I remember him spending time practising his ball skills in front of the older lads.

"He had great belief in himself even then.

"I remember playing in the Everton Under 19 side and it tells you something about how Wayne was rated in that he was in the same team as a 14-year-old.

"You don't do that unless you've got something about you."

Rooney, like many stars of today, first made a name for himself in the FA Youth Cup, and hasn't looked back since.

O'Hanlon said: "To be honest, he made such an impression that he virtually skipped the reserves and went straight into the first team.

"I think I played a couple of reserve games with him but that's about it.

"He's got all the attributes you need to be a successful forward."

Such a glaring spotlight at such a young age can bring pressures, but O'Hanlon is confident Rooney will cope.

He said: "As long as he keeps with the same group of friends, sticks close to his family and avoids the hangers-on then I'm sure he'll be fine."

In between watching Euro 2004 matches O'Hanlon has begun pre pre-season training.

He said: "I'm just doing a bit of light work ahead of us reporting back at the start of July."

O'Hanlon has noted the signing of Jerel Ifil and feels it is a good move for the club.

He said: "I don't really know too much about Jerel to be honest but it means us defenders are all going to battling hard to earn a place in the side. It's good to have competition."