CHERRIES midfielder Andrew Surman believes criticism of Wayne Rooney’s footballing ability is unfair.

Surman is expected to come face to face with Rooney when Cherries meet Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday (3pm).

The former Manchester United and England captain has received stick throughout his career, especially during the final days of his time at Old Trafford.

Rooney rejoined Everton in the summer and has netted twice for the Toffees during their indifferent start to the new campaign.

Surman told the Daily Echo: “He is a top player. He has had a lot of critics but, when you look at his record, I don’t see how anyone can really criticise him.

“Everyone has good and below-par performances but his record throughout his career speaks for itself.

“In my opinion, he is one of the best English players to have ever played the game and he is still doing it so you have to respect him a lot for that.”

Everton, who spent heavily during the summer, made a flying start to the season after winning four games on the trot – including three in the Europa League – without conceding a goal.

Rooney was on target in their 1-0 win over Stoke on the opening day of the Premier League and scored again in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

However, after completing an aggregate victory over Hajduk Split in the Europa League at the end of August, the Toffees then lost four games in succession, including Premier League defeats by Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Their six-match winless run ended yesterday when a much-changed team triumphed 3-0 against Sunderland in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Cherries are 19th in the Premier League, while Everton are just one place above them.

Surman, who paved the way for Cherries’ first win in the top flight this season after levelling during the 2-1 victory over Brighton, featured in the 6-3 defeat at Goodison in February.

He added: “It is a tough place to go and Everton are probably in a false position at the moment. When you look at their squad and some of the players they brought in during the summer and the money they spent, I am sure they will turn it around.

“I hope they don’t against us but they have good players and a good manager and I am sure they will be up there at the end of the season.

“We know we certainly haven’t cracked it at all after one win. We still have a lot of work to do. But we need to build on the win against Brighton because it was a really positive performance and result.”