Wayne’s found perfect match

SAM ALLARDYCE believes Everton and Wayne Rooney are perfect for each other as the former England skipper continues to have a major impact on the Premier League.

Rooney, 32, was on the mark in Monday’s 3-1 win over Swansea, making it 11 goals this season following his summer move from Manchester United.

Six of those have come in the five games since Allardyce was announced as the new Toffees manager and, after a difficult start to Rooney’s Everton return, Big Sam believes it is a marriage made in heaven.

Allardyce said: “I think the move and the timing of the move looks like it was perfect for Everton and perfect for him – and he’s proving that now.

“We need him at that level, and to continue at that level for the rest of the season.”

Rooney’s form now makes Jose Mourinho’s judgement to freeze him out at United all the more questionable.

And Allardyce says that, as he did at Bolton with veterans such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff, it is a case of helping him through a heavy workload – even if that means annoying Rooney by subbing him. “What can I say, Okocha and Djorkaeff were the two easiest players I’ve ever had to handle in my career,” said Allardyce. “Wayne is very similar. But I think it’s all about the 30 games we’ve already had and managing that situation.

“So if I can afford to substitute him, then it gets him rested a little bit more for the next one. I wouldn’t say he was that happy with me. He’s never happy, Wayne! But he’s a great professional.”