Young England starlet Wayne Rooney made his Premier League debut over the weekend and, although the sixteen year old did not manage to get on the scoresheet, he set up the Toffees' first goal and impressed with the maturity and confidence of his overall display.

Rooney, who starred in the England Under-17s European Championship campaign earlier in the year, certainly impressed one former England manager in Saturday's opposing dug-out, Glenn Hoddle.

Even before the two clubs' 2-2 draw at Goodison, Hoddle was already aware of the precocious talent that Everton have in their ranks, having witnessed his two-goal mauling of Spurs' youngsters in the FA Youth Cup last season.

The Spurs manager said: "I sat and watched him play for Everton against our lads and he was outstanding, he scored two exceptional goals." One, from outside the box, observers recall, had Hoddle shaking his head in disbelief.

He added: "He's got a smashing attitude, good, quick feet and plays with his head up. "When you have a player who can lift their head and see the picture then they have a chance at the top level.

"Rooney can progress from now and I'm sure David Moyes and Everton will manage him correctly and he has a bright, bright future if he keeps his head together."