Rooney departure sparkles Everton
(Sportinglife)
Updated: 2004-09-22 10:57

The departure of Wayne Rooney has been the catalyst for Everton's remarkable start to the season according to coach Alan Irvine.

Everton intend to send out a strong side in the hope of extending their four-match unbeaten run when they face Coca-Cola League One side Bristol City in the Carling Cup at Ashton Gate.

And Irvine hopes a streak of defiance will carry them to victory and a profitable run in the tournament.

But Irvine has given an insight into how the rest of Everton's players felt at the height of 'Rooneymania' and the constant claims that the 18-year-old would play better if he was with a top team and not relegation strugglers, as Everton were last term.

Irvine said: "All the things that have been said about them and all that went on with Wayne as well has probably helped to galvanise the squad.

"What people have forgotten is that Wayne developed playing with these players and we have been a bit disappointed at times in things that have been said.

"Whenever Wayne played well it was always said to be down to Wayne Rooney's talent. When he didn't play so well it was seemingly because of the other lads around him.

"That was a bit unfair. It wasn't Wayne's doing, it wasn't anything that came from anyone around him it was just the way people looked at the situation. That was unfair on the lads.

"What has happened is that it gives other people an opportunity to come in and do well, and that is what has happened."

Marcus Bent is Everton's one major doubt for trip to the West Country.

Bent, who scored the winner on Sunday against Middlesbrough, has hamstring strains in both legs and the striker is unlikely to be risked.

Otherwise Everton intend to field a strong side against League One outfit, but intend to give a run-out to players who are on the fringe of a team currently third in the Barclays Premiership.

Everton insist they will not be using youngsters in the side, but it is likely goalkeeper Richard Wright, defender Joseph Yobo, midfielder Tim Cahill - now available after a one match-ban - and strikers Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Campbell and Nick Chadwick could come into the equation.

Everton have a good record in cup games at Ashton Gate, having won there in FA Cup ties in seasons 1998-99 and '94-95, while they beat City at Goodison Park in the same competition in '68-69 as well as a League Cup victory in Bristol in '67-68.

It is also a special night for boss David Moyes, who spent two years as a player with the Robins between '85 and '87.

Irvine believes Everton's players are determined to give their manager the boost of a win on his return to Bristol.

Irvine said: "I don't know whether the players wanted to prove they were not a one- man team, and we are all disappointed that Wayne has gone because he is a top-quality player and we wish he was still here with us.

"But it proves football is a team game. Of course the more great individuals you have within a team does help but I think with everything that has gone on the players decided they were going to get themselves together and be very strong. That is what they have done so far."

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