ROONEY'S KANOODLE

SOCCER wonderboy Wayne Rooney gives his girlfriend a loving kiss to celebrate passing his driving test - and pocketing a pounds 1.5million deal with Ford.

His swanky blue Sportka - a high performance version of Ford's popular Ka - is the first perk of his relationship with the motor manufacturer, struck after he passed his test at the third attempt last week.

It means Rooney and Colleen McLoughlin, both 17, can at last enjoy the freedom of the road.

It is understood the Ford promotional deal comes on top of a 10- year sponsorship package from Nike which experts say could be worth pounds 6million.

With his second season in the Premiership only one game old, it is reckoned that Rooney is already worth pounds 10million.

But he put his bulging bank balance to the back of his mind as he cuddled up to Colleen and kissed her before setting off for a drive together.

A friend of the pair said: "Colleen is so happy that Wayne has passed his test. It means so much to her because they will be able to get away alone together.

"They have been living in a pressure cooker. It has been very hard for them to be themselves because everyone recognised who they are and they are known wherever they go.

"Now for the first time they can just drive off into the hills, park up, and be together without anyone knowing. That's really all they have ever wanted"

Rooney finally negotiated his 35-minute exam and ripped off his L- plates after twice failing the written theory.

But instead of splashing out on a Ferrari or a Porsche, he has opted for a sensible pounds 9,995 motor while he is still a novice.

And Sunday Mirror motoring correspondent Quentin Willson praised Wayne for "keeping his wheels on the ground".

He said last night: "It's good that Wayne has chosen to drive a car that is neither brash nor aggressive.

"The Ka is a motor that flatters the driver with its performance, but is also a car that is hard to get into trouble with.

"It shows that Wayne knows his limitations. Although he has passed his driving test he is still really learning to drive and this is a car that does not expose him to risk or incite other drivers to take him on.

"This shows he is a guy who is different from the rest. Although he has the wealth he is not spending his money on fast and expensive flash cars. That's sensible, and setting a good example for other teenage drivers.

He added: "Perhaps when he really shells out he will go for a Bentley with plenty of style and panache, as opposed to a flash sports car."

Rooney was one of the first people in Britain to take delivery of a Sportka.

He got the keys to the pint-sized Imperial Blue 108mph Ford 1.6- litre supermini at Everton's Goodison Park ground.

Afterwards Rooney said: "It's just a huge relief to have passed my test."

But it's not all good news - experts say he may have to fork out pounds 8,500 to insure the car.

A spokesman for First Gear Insurance, which specialises in covering youngsters' first motors, said: "His age and his profession are against him.

"Only one broker is willing to offer comprehensive cover for pounds 8,500, although if Wayne took the advanced Pass Plus driving course he could cut the cost by 10 per cent."

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