ENGLAND CAPTAIN WAYNE Rooney says that it was “a bit weird” to pull on an Everton shirt again but enjoyed his run-out in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial on Sunday.

The versatile forward burst into the footballing consciousness at Goodison Park before leaving for Manchester United under something of a cloud in 2004.

Rooney had not been certain what kind of welcome he would receive from Toffees fans as he came on as a second-half substitute but ended up pleased with the reaction.

“It’s nice to come back here and the fans gave me a great reception, which obviously I was delighted with,” he told reporters. “Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enioyed the game and it was nice to see him back on the pitch again.

“It was a bit different today, going into the home dressing-room again. It was a bit weird at first but, as I say, didn’t know what to expect with the reception but it was a great reception.”

Rooney, a boyhood Evertonian, was also grateful for the chance for his young sons to watch him play for his old team.

He added to the Toffees’ official website: “I was delighted with the fans’ reaction. You never know what to expect but it was great for me, my kids and [wife] Coleen as well today and for them to see me in an Everton shirt.”

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