Everton boss David Unsworth hailed the influence of Wayne Rooney for Saturday's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.
The former England captain never made the pitch, but still managed to contribute, insisted Unsworth.
"Every player that I've coached and managed gets treated the same and Wayne has been outstanding," Unsworth said.
"He was brilliant in the changing room before the game. He's a leader and you make decisions you feel is right for the game at the right time.
"Wayne is a top man.
"The evidence for me was that he was driving the team on before the game, before I had spoken to them, saying all the right things and it's a squad game.
"He's been involved in all the games, barring (this one), so there is no problem."
Source: tribalfootball.com