Dream start for Wayne

WAYNE ROONEY will fulfill a lifelong ambition to play for Everton in Europe when he makes his “emotional” return to Goodison tomorrow.

Rooney cannot wait for his first competitive home game in an Everton shirt for 13 years when he steps out against MFK Ruzomberok in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round in front of a sell-out crowd.

Although he won the competition in his final appearance for Manchester United against Ajax in May, Rooney admits it would be even better to lift the trophy with his beloved Toffees, who he joined as a nine-year-old. “Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe for Everton,” said Rooney.

“I was a bit disappointed not to do that before but now I’ll have a chance.

“Obviously I won the trophy last season so I’m hoping as a club we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better.”

He added: “The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I’m looking forward to it.

“It has always been a special place to come and play, even when I have been on the opposing side.

“You always get that feeling when you’re walking out the tunnel, so to actually do it again in an Everton shirt will be a special moment for me.” Rooney, 31, has impressed in pre-season, scoring in the 2-1 win over Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and also the 1-1 draw at KRC Genk on Saturday.

He hopes he can help Ronald Koeman’s new-look Everton make a flying start in their competitive games.

“It has been a positive start back here,” said Rooney. “It’s great that we got so many new players in early because we’ve been able to work together for nearly a month, get to know each other and how everyone plays. It’s great to see and be part of.

“Overall, I’m looking forward to the season, hopefully getting back to playing regularly and trying to help this club move forward.”

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