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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Wayne Rooney gives verdict on Sean Dyche at Everton and reveals his own long-term plan

Wayne Rooney has praised Sean Dyche's start to life as Everton manager as the England icon has discussed his Premier League manager ambitions.

The Three Lions' all-time leading goalscorer was tipped to potentially succeed Frank Lampard after he was relieved of his duties at Goodison Park. However, nothing materialised for the former striker as he remains at DC United for his second season in the MLS.

Everton moved out of the relegation zone after their win over Leeds United last weekend as 51-year-old Dyche made it six points out of a possible nine in his opening three games in charge. Rooney, who enjoyed two spells in L4, believes there is more work to be done to ensure Premier League safety but insists it has been a "fantastic start".

READ MORE: Jordan Pickford commits to Everton in major boost for Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell

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"I hope so, he's had a fantastic start beating Arsenal and Leeds," said Rooney speaking to ESPN. "Six points out of the first nine, it's what Everton needed, they've just come out of the relegation zone but there's a lot of work to be done to hopefully secure Premier League status next season. I think he's had as good of a start as he thought he might've."

"For the time being, it's important I don't look too far ahead, I've got a really important job to do here at DC United," the 37-year-old insisted discussing his ambitions amid links with a return to the English top flight.

"I came here to develop myself as a coach, gain more experience because as a player I played at the top level but as a coach, I've come in at Derby County, now at DC United and I need to earn that status, the right to work at big clubs.

"Big clubs in Europe and England of course I want to go back there to be able to do that but my focus is solely on DC United and trying to achieve big things."

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