Ronald Koeman faces tough call as Wayne Rooney begs to play in Everton's Carabao Cup third round clash with Sunderland

• e-mail

Wayne Rooney has given Ronald Koeman a selection dilemma by asking to start Everton's Carabao Cup tie with Sunderland.

It had been widely assumed that Rooney, who was handed a two-year driving ban on Monday and given 100 hours of community service by Stockport Magistrates, would be rested for the third round tie at Goodison Park.

Since returning to Everton, the former England captain has started all 10 of their competitive games and appeared in 868 of a possible 900 minutes of action.

Wayne Rooney has asked Ronald Koeman if he can play for Everton in the Carabao Cup 

The Everton striker was driven into training on Tuesday a day after admitting drink driving

But for all the noise surrounding his off-field situation, Rooney's focus on football has not been distracted and after taking part in training at Finch Farm on Tuesday, he made clear his desire to face Sunderland.

That means Koeman is faced with the quandary of whether to give the 31-year-old the minutes he wants or leave him among the substitutes and call upon him if he is needed.

Everton's manager has spoken to Rooney about the controversy in which he has become embroiled and reminded him of his responsibilities; Koeman has yet to speak publicly as he chose not to hold a routine pre-match press conference.

Rooney has been hit with a two-week fine, which amounts to around £300,000.

The Everton striker has been banned from driving for two years after admitting drink driving 

Everton manager Ronald Koeman is under pressure after overseeing four successive defeats

The Rooney issue aside, Koeman will make changes to his team for the visit of Sunderland and young right-back Jonjoe Kenny is expected to start; there has been a clamour among supporters who are eager to see given a chance.

Just as eye-catching is the fact there will also be a place in the match day party for forgotten man Oumar Niasse, who has not started a game for Everton since May 7, 2016.

NIasse appeared to have no future under Koeman and was loaned to Hull City last season but circumstances - namely Everton's failure to sign a striker in the transfer window - have seen him reintegrated into the squad.