Tough call for Koeman as Rooney begs to play in cup

WAYNE ROONEY has given Ronald Koeman a selection dilemma by asking to start Everton’s Carabao Cup tie with Sunderland.

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

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

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 yesterday, 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 prematch press conference.

Rooney (right) has been hit with a two-week fine, which amounts to around £300,000, and the money will go to Everton in the Community, the club’s charity.

Rooney aside, Koeman will make changes to his team for the visit of Sunderland and right back Jonjoe Kenny is expected to start. There has been a clamour among supporters who are eager to see the 20-year-old given a chance. 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. The striker appeared to have no future under Koeman and was loaned to Hull City last season but circumstances — namely Everton’s failure to sign a centre forward in the transfer window — have seen him reintegrated into the squad.