Wayne Rooney: Halfway line goal was hit 'as well as I've ever kicked a football'

Everton striker Wayne Rooney dedicated the 4-0 win over West Ham to caretaker boss David Unsworth after scoring one of the 'best' goals of his career.

Unsworth seemingly took charge for the final time against the Hammers with Sam Allardyce set to complete a deal to become Everton's new manager imminently.

Rooney gave Unsworth a fine send-off with a hat-trick at Goodison Park, including a stunning strike from inside his own half, to help secure just their second win in 13 outings in all competitions.

Rooney scored two goals in 10 first-half minutes to ease any nerves and then added his third in the 66th minute from 60 yards.

With Joe Hart well out of his net after a low clearance, Rooney rolled back the years to fire home a sweet strike before Ashley Williams rounded off the win late on.

Asked if he has ever scored a better goal than the one which clinched his treble, Rooney said: "I don't think so.

"It's one of, if not, the best goal I've scored. I hit it as well as I've ever kicked a football. To make it my first hat-trick for Everton, I'm delighted."

Former England boss Allardyce is due to be in the hotseat for the first time against Huddersfield on Saturday, but Rooney thanked ex-Everton full-back Unsworth for his efforts.

"I'm sure we'll enjoy tonight, but first of all we've got to give thanks to David Unsworth," Rooney told BT Sport.

"He's stepped in at a difficult time for the football club, he's a true Everton person.

"I'm delighted for him we've got this victory because it's an important win for the club but also for David Unsworth."

Everton are now up to 13th while West Ham remain in the drop zone, two points adrift of safety.

On Allardyce, Rooney added: "Of course he'll be pleased, but for us as a team, as a club, it was important for us to show some pride. As David Unsworth said, we've been hurting.

"It was important we got a clean sheet first of all, it has been long overdue, but (also) a victory to try and steady the last few weeks we've been going through."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.