For a dyed-in-the-wool Evertonian, scoring a hat-trick against Liverpool - even the under-21s - must be a moment to savour but Chester FC's John Rooney insisted completing 90 minutes was equally important.

Rooney inspired the Blues to a thumping 4-0 win over the Reds teenagers on Wednesday night, giving them the lead at the end of the first-half before two stunning long range strikes late on sent him home with the matchball.

Following the game, the midfielder maintained his main focus was on making sure he was in peak condition for the Vanarama National League opener with Braintree Town on August 8.

"Obviously when you're playing against Liverpool you're always up for it, but I'm one of those of the lads who's up for any game, not matter who its against or if it's on the training ground because I don't like losing so I always give 100% effort," said Rooney.

"It was good to get 90 minutes under my belt for the season and lovely to win the game and get a few goals as well. It's not bad to score three goals, but the main thing is being fit for that first game of the season.

"Winning games and getting into good habits is important. It's a week Saturday until the league starts and all of the lads are ready to go now."

IN PICTURES: Action from Chester FC 4 Liverpool U21s 0

Rooney has been exceptional throughout pre-season with Sean McConville's departure and the arrivals of Luke George and Tom Shaw allowing him to be given more creative freedom.

On this form, the 24-year-old will be integral to Chester's fortunes over the 2015-16 campaign.

Rooney believes the quality manager Steve Burr added this summer means the squad is in much better shape than 12 months ago and he wants them to take the confidence gained during pre-season into the first league game.

Rooney said: "It shows out there with how good we've been performing. It's a stronger squad but smaller so hopefully we can keep everyone fit.

"We've got a smaller squad, the lads are getting a few more minutes in the last few games so we've got a better bond and we've had a few good games this pre-season.

"The manager has tried a few different formations and a few different players in different positions.

"He's tried playing me in the hole or playing me in the two and we've got those players who can play in a few different positions which is always good.

"Winning games and scoring goals always gives you confidence. On matchdays when you're playing competitive football, it's always better to score in those games but I'm happy with the three goals."

John Rooney fires the Blues into the lead against Liverpool U21s
John Rooney fires the Blues into the lead against Liverpool U21s