Twice in the last three league matches Rooney had stolen the headlines, as well as the hearts of the Everton fans, by coming off the bench to sink Arsenal and Leeds with glorious winners.

Although Rooney made his now customary late substitute appearance, Tomasz Radzinski’s goal was enough for Everton to record four Premiership wins in a row for the first time.

The loudest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Wayne Rooney’s introduction in the 73rd minute, with he and Gary Naysmith replacing Radzinski and Li Tie in a double substitution.

Curbishley followed suit with a double of his own two minutes later as Kishishev and Euell came off for Jonatan Johansson and Bartlett.

Five minutes from time Scott Parker was allowed to run unchecked for 50 yards to the edge of the Everton area before letting fly with a shot which was narrowly over the bar.