Jack's Pride Tempered

Jack Rodwell admits the pride of his first senior start was tempered by the nature of Everton's defeat to Blackburn.

Rodwell, 17, started the Premier League curtain raiser at Goodison which Everton lost 3-2 after a 90th minute goal from Andre Ooijer.

Rodwell told evertonTV: "I was proud to make my first start but it wasn't as happy as it could have been because we didn't get the result we wanted.

"With 20 minutes to go we were 2-1 up and we just had to hold out but we didn't do that which is disappointing."

Twelve months ago, Rodwell was playing in central defence for Everton's academy side, before switching to his current midfield berth when he began to train with the first team squad.

"I am still learning it," he added, "But I am finding it more comfortable every time I play there.

"There's a lot of time left this season so we have got to keep working hard."

See the exclusive interview with Jack on evertonTV now.