Fans fired up for Rooney's return

ALEX FERGUSON will unleash Wayne Rooney on Everton this evening, confident his £27 million striker can handle the abuse certain to roll down the Goodison Park stands.

Everton have drafted in extra security for Rooney's first return since he controversially quit his boyhood idols to join Manchester United in August.

Toffees fans have warned the 19-year-old he faces an ugly reception, even though their team have prospered since his departure, and the England international's mental strength seems certain to receive a severe test as the FA Cup-holders look to book a place in the last eight.