Dominic is having a Wayne of a time
DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN admits it is surreal to be playing alongside a legend like Wayne Rooney.
The young Everton striker was just five years old when Rooney made his debut for boyhood club Everton back in 2002, aged just 16.
And when Wazza was at his record-breaking best at Man United, Calvert-Lewin was learning his trade on loan from Sheffield United at non-league Stalybridge Celtic and Northampton Town.
But now fate has flung them together and the latest Goodison hitman is loving living in Wayne’s World as he celebrates earning a bumper new contract.
Calvert-Lewin said: “It’s slightly less surreal now than it was lining up alongside Wayne. At times, though, it still is a bit surreal, like when we are celebrating at Anfield after he has knocked one in.
“He is a good player to have alongside me as a young striker. He has already taught me a lot and he is hitting some form at the minute.
“I’m happy to be supplying him with a few goals and, likewise, he has set up a few chances for me.
“We’ve built up quite a good relationship so far and the more we play together the more we know where each other will be.”
It is a world away from when Calvert-Lewin found himself playing in the Conference North as he tried to make a name for himself in the game but those days helped turn him into the player he is now.
He added: “I am glad I have gone down the route I have. I have played at Conference North level, then League Two and League One. And now I’m in the Premier League.
“But I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“The experiences I’ve gone through playing at those levels have prepared me for where I am now.
“They’ve toughened me up. I’ve been my own worst critic since I started.
“I’ve probably put a bit too much pressure on myself at times.
“But that is because I back myself to affect games the way I know I can – by scoring goals and getting assists.
“The belief I have in myself is what has got me to this point and I continue to believe that I can compete at this level.
“I’m a centre-forward and the job is to score goals. I’m working hard on the training pitch to make sure I start hitting the back of the net.
“I feel I’ve improved a lot in a short space of time but I’m still looking to get even better. It’s nice to be rewarded for that with the new contract.”