Everton striker Wayne Rooney praises Sam Allardyce for Toffees revival and midfield role: 'It's the right position for me at this stage in my career'

  • Wayne Rooney has praised Sam Allardyce for bringing Everton 'back to basics'
  • The Toffees pulled off another victory in midweek, beating Swansea at Goodison
  • Rooney saw a penalty saved but later rattled home a second spot kick 
  • The former England captain believes a deeper playing role is right for him now
  • READ: IAN HERBERT'S MATCH REPORT FROM EVERTON'S SWANSEA VICTORY 

Wayne Rooney has given new Everton manager Sam Allardyce a nod of approval for getting the Toffees 'back to basics' and winning games once again.

Rooney, who is enjoying something of a purple patch in the side since Allardyce's arrival, starred again on Monday as Everton came from behind to beat Swansea.

The local hero got himself among the goals once again, scoring from the penalty spot despite missing an earlier effort, and playing out the match in a deeper midfield role.

Wayne Rooney has praised Everton for getting 'back to basics' under Sam Allardyce

Wayne Rooney has praised Everton for getting 'back to basics' under Sam Allardyce

Lashing the ball home from 12-yards, Rooney racked up his 11th goal of the season and leads the way for the Toffees in his homecoming year. 


After having his first effort from the penalty spot saved - which was eventually followed up on the rebound by Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Rooney insisted it never puts him off stepping up for a second time.

'No I think I'm a confident person, I believe in myself and if you've noticed the two penalties I've missed we've scored from,' Rooney told Sky Sports in his post-match interview.

'That's because I put a bit of top spin on the ball knowing if I miss it'll come back and we'll score it (joke). I was never going to give that penalty up. I was frustrated missing that first one and I've put my foot through it and it's gone in.'

Rooney was among the goals again in the Monday night comeback victory over Swansea

Rooney was among the goals again in the Monday night comeback victory over Swansea

Now operating in a deeper position in the field, Rooney is able to have much more of a say during the game, dictating play and putting himself at the heart of Everton moves.

Now in the twilight stage of his career, Rooney admits this is something which suits him nicely. 

'It's the right position for me at this stage in my career,' said Rooney. 'Today is not the game to highlight because I gave the ball away. 

'I can pick my moments to get in the box and when to stay out and try and help us control the game so it's certainly a position I know I can play. 

Rooney has been playing in a deeper role under Allardyce, which he thinks suits him better

Rooney has been playing in a deeper role under Allardyce, which he thinks suits him better

'I can score goals, create goals and I've been lucky enough to do that over the last few weeks,' he added. 

The arrival of Allardyce, taking over from Ronald Koeman, has seen a sense of stability restored to the Everton team, with the onus placed upon picking up points wherever possible and climbing back up the table.

'(It's) Just getting back to basics. The things we were doing wrong were just small things,' said Rooney of the transition under 'Big Sam'.

'As I said before, when we went a goal down we just had a feeling we couldn't get back in the game. It's just about getting back to basics while trying to stay solid. Try to express ourselves on the ball, but be solid.'