Owen hails 'great' Rooney

Michael Owen has joined Wayne Rooney's fan club

Liverpool's Michael Owen has delivered his seal of approval to the sensation lighting up the blue half of Merseyside, Everton teenager Wayne Rooney.

Rooney has become the most talked about star in football with two stunning match-winning goals against Arsenal and Leeds that have propelled Everton into the top six.

The 17-year-old's performances have prompted comparisons with Liverpool counterpart Owen - although Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insisted Rooney was the best young English talent he had seen.

Owen played down the similarities, but admitted he was an admirer of the youngster tipped to partner him in England's attack in the near future.

England 'line up Rooney'

He said: "He is certainly a great player. Everyone in Merseyside has heard of Wayne for the last six months, and he is now starting to get a lot of recognition nationally.

"The next step is to get it around the world, but you can only do that when you've played for your country.

"Wayne is happy to be a local hero and I think things are only going to get better for him."

Owen wins Anfield praise

He added: "But I wouldn't say it's easy getting to the top. It's a one-in-a-million thing for players like him. You can imagine the amount of young Everton fans who want to be in his shoes.

"I would say that for him to stay there is even harder than getting there in the first place.

"I would say that football these days is not just about the way you play. You see so many people coming on to the scene and you see them fall away - not just in football, but in all walks of life."

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