Everton

Wayne Rooney: 'Ross Barkley a massive player for Everton'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 17 December 2017

Everton striker Wayne Rooney insists that Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley is a "massive" player for the club, despite his lack of playing time this term.

Everton striker Wayne Rooney has insisted that Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley is a "massive" player for the club, despite his lack of playing time this term.

Barkley, who was on the verge of joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window, remained at Goodison Park, but injury and inconsistency have been his biggest enemies this season.

Rooney, who has been a key man for Sam Allardyce's side this term, is confident that Barkley can rediscover his form.

"Ross is a fantastic player, really talented, and under Sam [Allardyce], with the players we have in the squad now, it can help him," Rooney told talkSPORT.

"If we can get him fit, get him back playing, he is a massive player for us. Ability-wise he is one of the best I've seen. It is just about showing that on match day.

"I feel he has the right coaches to show that, and the right players on the pitch."

Allardyce's Toffees host Swansea City on Monday night, looking to move further up Premier League table.