McCoist baffled by Rooney criticism as Everton form continues

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Rangers legend Ally McCoist has slammed Everton striker Wayne Rooney’s doubters.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist has told TalkSPORT that criticism aimed at Everton striker Wayne Rooney “absolutely baffles me” as the former England star continues to shine at his boyhood club.

The 32-year-old has been in excellent form of late, scoring nine Premier League goals and sitting level with Raheem Sterling, Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku, with only Mo Salah and Harry Kane above him in the rankings.

He continued his exceptional form with a close-range finish against Newcastle United on Wednesday night, earning the Toffees a narrow 1-0 win at St. James’ Park.

McCoist praised Sam Allardyce for putting Rooney back into the Everton starting line-up, and claimed that doubters of the versatile attacker are completely unfounded as he remains record goalscorer for Manchester United and England.

“Listen, he’s back home in footballing terms,” McCoist said. “Sam is an intelligent man, his first job would have been getting his better players on the park and there is no surprise they’ve picked up.

“This absolutely baffles me. I don’t think Rooney gets the credit he deserves, and I’ll tell you why. Top scorer in Manchester United’s history and top scorer in England’s history. Can’t get any better than that, unbelievable.

“The are doubters because England do that as a nation. He’s one of those players you enjoy playing with, you want him in the trenches, clearly back enjoying his football and good on him.”

The five-time Premier League winner has scored 10 goals in 23 league and cup appearances, but has nine in 15 Premier League matches as Everton’s revival continues to be centred around Rooney.

Allardyce will be hoping his in-form striker can continue his excellent form of late against Swansea City on Monday night, as the Toffees go into the match expected to beat Paul Clement’s Welsh side.