Last updated at 09:35 14 November 2007

Wayne Rooney has hired a private tutor to help him study for his GCSE exams in English and maths.

The footballer is having regular lessons after training sessions in a bid to catch up on his education.

The 22-year-old never saw the need to take any GCSEs while a teenage prodigy at Everton - but he now hopes to pass his exams next year.

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He is also turning his hand to music after his girlfriend Coleen gave him a £2,500 guitar for his birthday.

She sent it to Oasis star Noel Gallagher to sign - but he returned it decked out in Manchester City colours.

Early in his United career his manager Alex Ferguson encouraged the football sensation to learn an instrument to tame his fiery temper.

Sir Alex calmed his own temper on the field by taking piano lessons when he was a young player.

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A source said: "Wayne has had a lot of advice from his United manager Sir Alex Ferguson about how to fill his time away from football.

"Fergie said he should do something constructive.

"Wayne's girlfriend Coleen has also been encouraging him to get his head in the books.

"She did well at school and left with 10 GCSEs.

"If all goes to plan he will sit his GCSEs next summer in maths and English."

Rooney has also taken an interest in vintage wine.