Wayne Rooney: 'I prefer playing in deeper role for Everton'

Everton forward Wayne Rooney has suggested that he relishes playing as an attacking midfielder, rather than being used in a number-nine position.

Since the arrival of Sam Allardyce, Rooney has helped Everton record three wins and a draw in the Premier League, with the club's latest victory coming over Swansea City on Monday night.

Rooney feels that he is able to be more effective in his current role, while the former England skipper has praised Allardyce's approach since being named as the permanent replacement for Ronald Koeman.

The 32-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "A deeper position is the right one for me at this stage of my career. I can pick my moments when to get in the box and when I stay out.

"I can score and create goals. I think the manager has got us back to basics. If we went a goal down we had a feeling we wouldn't get back in the game earlier in the season. We are solid."

In total, Rooney has contributed 10 goals and two assists in the top flight since joining from Manchester United in the summer.