Wayne Rooney believes Goodison Park could hold the key to Everton's chances of Premier League survival this season.
Of the 25 points the Blues have collected in the top-flight this term, 19 of those have been earned on home soil. It is no secret that the Toffees have struggled to perform on the road this campaign, with only one of the club's seven league wins arriving away from Merseyside.
Three of Everton's next four fixtures will be played at Goodison, which could represent a real opportunity for the side to pick up some much-needed points to bolster their bid for survival. Manchester United are the first side who will make this trip this weekend, followed by Leicester City and Chelsea.
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Asked if the Blues' home form could prove pivotal regarding beating the drop, Rooney responded: "Yes, I think so. I was there [at Burnley], I went to the game. They have to pull together. Obviously it was a disappointing result but I know some of the players, I know the manager and a lot of the staff as well - what they have to do is pull together and find a way.
"It is obviously clear they are not playing as well as they can do, but when you are in that position you have to find a way. The most important thing is your fight, a similar message to what I have been giving my [Derby] players all season: you fight for the shirt, the right to wear that shirt, you put the hard work in, and I think that will give them the best chance."
Rooney was one of the managers in the frame to replace Rafa Benitez earlier this year, though recently shared on Sky Sports he rejected the opportunity to attend an interview due to the offer arriving at the wrong moment in his coaching career.
"I got approached by Everton to go and do an interview for the manager's job. As I've said, I'm in a job, I'm at Derby, I'm still learning and just felt it wasn't the right time," said the ex-Blues forward.
"Obviously Frank has gone in there and - tough job, where they've been all season. Obviously I didn't feel Rafael Benitez was the right fit for Everton coming in. That didn't work out and the players have lost confidence."
