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Wayne Rooney returned to Everton in free transfer from Manchester United
31-year-old striker has looked sharp and scored in two friendly matches
Now he is preparing for competitive return against Slovakian side Ruzomberok
It will be the first time Rooney has played in Europe for the Toffees
He admits winning Europa League with Everton would be better than last season's triumph with United

Published: 07:53 EDT, 25 July 2017 | Updated: 10:10 EDT, 25 July 2017

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Wayne Rooney is relishing the prospect of playing in Europe for Everton as he prepares for an emotional Goodison Park homecoming on Thursday night.

The striker is expected to make his second competitive debut for the Toffees when they take on Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, first leg.

Rooney, 31, joined Everton at the age of nine but didn't get the opportunity to play for them in Europe during his two seasons in the first team between 2002 and 2004.

Wayne Rooney is preparing for his second competitive debut for Everton on Thursday night

Rooney won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United last season

Now he'll get his chance and admitted that if Everton were to progress and win the competition, it would be a better feeling than winning it with Manchester United last season.

'Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe with Everton,' he told Everton's official website.

'I was a bit disappointed not to do that before but now I'll have a chance. Obviously I won the trophy last year so I'm hoping as a club we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better.

'The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I'm looking forward to it.

31-year-old striker Rooney has impressed for Everton in the pre-season friendlies so far

Rooney returned to Everton after 13 years at Manchester United on a free transfer

Everton fixtures

Premier League fixtures unless stated

Thursday Ruzomberok (H)

UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, first leg

August 3 Ruzomberok (A)

UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, second leg

August 6 Sevilla (H)

Pre-season friendly

August 12 Stoke City (H)

August 21 Manchester City (A)

August 26 Chelsea (A)

'Overall, I'm looking forward to the season, hopefully getting back playing regularly, and trying to help this club move forward.'

Rooney has already looked sharp in the two friendly matches he has been involved in since his free transfer back to Goodison Park from United.

He scored in both the 2-1 win over Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in Tanzania and in the 1-1 draw with Belgian side Genk on Saturday.

Now he is set to make his first appearance in Everton colours at Goodison in a competitive match since May 2004.

'You always get that feeling when you're walking out the tunnel so to actually do it again in an Everton shirt will be a special moment for me.

Rooney scores in Everton's 1-1 draw with Genk in a pre-season friendly on Saturday

United defeated Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm to win the UEFA Europa League back in May

'It's always been a special place to come and play, even when I've been on the opposing side.

'It's been a positive start back here. It's great that we got so many players in early as we've been able to work together for nearly a month before the first game, get to know each other and how everyone plays. It's great to see and great to be a part of.'