Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has said that he sees "similarities" between himself and Everton youngster Ross Barkley.
A fellow product of the Toffees' youth academy, Barkley's playing style and attitude have drawn comparisons to Rooney since he broke into the Everton first team.
The pair have linked up on international duty for England in the past, and Rooney backed the 22-year-old to enjoy a bright future in the game.
"You could say that there are a few similarities. We get on well, he's a good lad and he's very down to earth. Ross has a great approach to the game, he always wants to win and is very determined. He has all the attributes to go far in the game," he told Everton's official website.
"There are less and less of this style of English player coming through with that sort of game you have when playing on the street. Ross has that and Dele Alli is another.
"These are players that excite the fans and players they can identify with – everyone has a story about a great young lad they played against on the street. When young lads see this it gives them belief they can go on to play at the highest level."
Rooney is expected to be part of the United team to take on Leicester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Barney Corkhill
