MACCLESFIELD Town's new 19-year-old striker may be a fanatical Everton supporter named Rooney, but that's where the similarities end.

The name's Tommy not Wayne and while his famous cousin can have the pick of any club in the world, the Silkmen's teenage forward is about to begin life in soccer's professional basement.

Golden boots Wayne, despite his broken foot, is enjoying a welcome rest after his Euro 04 exploits transformed him into a global superstar.

In contrast, Tommy begins pre-season training at the Moss Rose tomorrow, grateful to have been given a career lifeline by Brian Horton.

Wonder boy Wayne's last match was England's dramatic quarter-final, penalty shootout exit by hosts Portugal.

Tommy's first game in a Macc shirt is likely to be the club's opening pre-season friendly against North West Counties outfit Congleton Town on July 17.

And instead of 70,000 emotionally drained fans jammed into the Estadio da Luz, there will be a few hundred onlookers scattered round Congleton's homely Booth Street ground.

However, the debut of Tommy may draw in a few more curious onlookers to make comparisons with his famous family namesake.

Wayne's world

"You never know, he may turn out to be better than Wayne," said droll Macc chief Horton.

The 'other' Rooney came to Moss Rose after being released by Tranmere Rovers. He's been handed a 12 month contract, probably worth around '120 per week. Wayne could expect to double, treble or even quadruple his current '13,000 a week salary if he decides to leave Goodison Park. And while Tommy still lives at home in Liverpool, Wayne has a rambling new home in upmarket Formby.

"I saw Tommy two or three times playing for Tranmere and I thought he was worth a chance," said Horton, who has signed a number of other promising youngsters.

"He seems to be a level-headed kid and I'm sure he will handle the extra publicity that may now come his way.

"But I didn't sign him with that in mind. I said at the end of last season we needed a bigger squad and Tommy is one of the boys we've brought in."

Rooney said: "I'd been at Tranmere since I was 14 but I broke my foot and didn't really get a chance with the first team.

"So, when Brian Horton gave me a ring to come down for a trial at Macclesfield, I jumped at the chance.

"There's a good set-up at the club and I'm just looking forward to getting down to pre-season training."

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