RODWELL'S EXCITEMENT

Everton youngster Jack Rodwell has spoken of his pride at making the step up to the senior ranks in the last week.

The teenager, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Tuesday, has been included in the Everton party for each of the last three games, travelling to Florence but not making the bench before making his Premier League debut as a substitute at Sunderland and then being named amongst the subs for the return clash with Fiorentina on Wednesday night.

Having made his senior debut earlier in the season during the Uefa Cup victory over AZ Alkmaar in Holland, the teenager admits it has been a steep learning curve for him this year.

In an exclusive interview with evertonTV he said: "It was fantastic (to make my debut on Sunday). I’ve made my debut in the Uefa Cup, but in the Premier League it’s a different ball game. It’s faster so it was a different experience, but just as good.

"The manager didn’t tell me until in the changing rooms before the game. I didn’t expect it but the squad is quite short at the moment, so I thought I might have a chance and then I got on the bench, but I didn’t think I would get on the pitch either!

"I was a little nervous when I came on against Sunderland because I think there was 42,000 people there and I’m not really used to it, so it just takes time to get used to that, but I’m not really that nervous a person.

"I think I was on for around eight minutes, but it seemed like one.

"My mum and dad didn’t make it – we didn’t think I’d be involved! They heard on the radio and they rang me straight away and they were all made up."

Rodwell is now in line to travel with the squad to London for Sunday's crucial Premier League encounter with Fulham.

To see this exclusive interview in full, visit evertonTV now.