Wayne Rooney will be like 'a man possessed' in Merseyside derby and could seize the chance to become Everton icon, says Jamie Carragher

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Wayne Rooney can write himself into Everton folklore and become a club icon if he makes the difference at Anfield, says Jamie Carragher.

Carragher, a boyhood Everton fan who went on to become a Liverpool legend, understands the Merseyside derby like few others and sees a huge opportunity for Rooney on Sunday. 

'He will be like a man possessed this week, those sitting near him will have sensed it,' he wrote in the Telegraph. 

Wayne Rooney can make himself an Everton icon in the derby, says Jamie Carragher

The Liverpool legend thinks Rooney is not yet worshipped fully at his boyhood club

Carragher thinks Rooney is regarded as a Manchester United icon but lacks the same hero status at the Blues. 

The 32-year-old has never won or even scored in the Merseyside derby so will be doubly desperate to perform at Anfield. 

'He is not yet an Everton icon. He is a Manchester United one. These games present him with the opportunity he has craved since his return - to restore hero status with his own fans,' the former defender continued.

The player turned pundit recognises the impact such an enormous game can have on a local player in the week leading up to the fixture.

Rooney will have been 'like a man possessed' this week according to Carragher

Sam Allardyce and Rooney will hope to orchestrated Everton's first Anfield win since 1999

'He will relish these games but also worry about them at the same time. He will be visualising the possibility of celebrating, while agonising about the reaction if neither game goes Everton's way,' Carragher continued. 

The glory of victory and agony of defeat is inevitably sharper on derby day and despite the the difference in the respective seasons, this game stands alone. 

Carragher only lost five Merseyside derbies in 15 years and no doubt hopes the Reds continue the fine record against their neighbours. 

Sam Allardyce could become the first Everton manager to win his first game against Liverpool in 20 years.

The Toffees haven't tasted victory at Anfield since 1999 but Rooney will be out to buck the trend and become a club legend in the process.  

The Blues have a poor record at Anfield but will be well organised under Allardyce