Everton boss David Moyes accepts Wayne Rooney is not on the top of his game as he prepares the Toffees for tomorrow's trip to Villa Park.
Despite playing a starring role in England's Euro 2004 campaign, scoring goals in consecutive games against Macedonia and Liechtenstein, Rooney has only one goal from nine Premiership appearances this year.
"So far this season Wayne's form has not been too good, and I would imagine every Evertonian you speak to would say the same thing," admitted Moyes.
"With maybe the exception of the game at Charlton, I think Wayne has been a little bit below the standards he has set - and he is very aware of that.
"I think that is why there has been a lot of frustration in his play. This year players have decided to get stuck right into him."
Moyes is hoping Rooney's potential strike partner Tomasz Radzinski will be available at Villa tomorrow. The Canada international striker missed the goalless draw with Southampton at Goodison Park with a calf injury.