Rooney shirts go to war children

Rooney's departure wasn't popular with Everton fans

Everton shirts sporting the name of Wayne Rooney could soon be seen on the streets of Liberia.

The club decided to give the kit away after the 18-year-old England striker's transfer to Manchester United.

Catholic aid agency Cafod will give the shirts to former child soldiers being reintegrated into society following the civil war in the West African state.

Many of the children became big Rooney fans following his performances for England in Euro 2004, said Cafod.

This week Rooney was transferred to Manchester United in a deal worth around £27m.

The move left his former club Everton with thousands of worthless replica kits bearing his name.

Liberia's child soldiers are being rehabilitated

Given the bitterness felt towards Rooney by most Everton supporters, the club decided even knock-down prices would not shift the kit.

The director of Cafod's partner agency in Liberia, Allan Lincoln, said Rooney's four goals in Portugal this summer had caught the imagination of the country's young football fans.

It is thought around 15,000 children were involved in fighting in the country's conflict.