Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could score his 100th goal at former club Everton this weekend.

It was at the famous Merseyside citadel that Rooney announced his arrival with a wondrous match-winner against Arsenal as a raw 16-year-old.

He went on to score 17 goals for his boyhood idols before he left for Manchester United, an acrimonious departure that will ensure he gets a hot reception from the Gwladys Street faithful this weekend.

Not that it has ever bothered Rooney before. And, as he celebrates his 23rd birthday on Thursday, the personal milestone would be just perfect.

"For obvious reasons, Saturday is a big game for me," he said.

"It is always nice for any player to score 100 goals and if I can do that back at Everton, where I started and at Goodison Park, where I scored my first Premier League goal, it would be really pleasing.

"But it wouldn't really matter if it was my first or my 100th, it would still be really sweet."

It is incredible to think Rooney has been a top-flight regular for more than six years now. Little wonder he was asked on England duty a couple of weeks ago whether he viewed himself as a father figure to Theo Walcott.

The statement brought a wry smile and a reminder of his age, although he is starting to appreciate his gifts a bit more.

"It doesn't feel like six years since I made my Premier League debut," he said.

"I remember Alan Stubbs telling me to try and enjoy it because time passes more quickly than you think. And it has flown by.

"I just want to try and enjoy every game and every season as much as I can because before too long it will be over."