Jack Rodwell says Everton’s players owe their supporters a good FA Cup run.
All eyes will be on Goodison Park on Saturday when the Blues entertain Chelsea in what is the tie of the fourth round.
Rodwell says the Blues have extra motivation because of their ‘up and down’ league form and he says it is up to them to inspire the fans.
The FA Cup has been good to Rodwell in the past – his quarter-final goal in 2009 was crucial in defeating Aston Villa that day and setting the Blues on a roll which would take them all the way to Wembley.
And he is hopeful of playing some part against Carlo Ancelotti’s cup holders this weekend.
“It’s a massive game,” said the midfielder. “Our form in the league has been up and down, and the Carling Cup exit was disappointing so the spotlight will be on Saturday.
“We need to give the fans something back. The fans are entitled to criticise and we’ve not done too well form wise but we all know we need to make that better. We’re strong mentally and the fans are behind us when it matters.”
The FA Cup is probably the best cup competition to play in, especially at home. To go and get to the final and give the fans a day out at Wembley would be amazing, even if it’s a long way off at this stage.
“The cup has some special memories for me. I got a couple of goals in it the season when we went to the final, and it’s a big thing for me as it is for any player.
“I'd love to do the same this year. I think if we got to the final again it’d possibly be even better, because we’d know what to expect and we’d be better prepared.”
An ankle injury at Villa Park in August disrupted Rodwell’s season at a time he looked to be nailing down a regular start and, at present, he is biding his time as he seeks to win a place in the first XI.
But the level-headed 19-year-old knows the key is hard work on the training ground and making the most of his chances from the bench.
“It’s been frustrating for me,” the England Under-21 star added. “I had an injury and that set me back, and I haven’t been involved as much since.
“But I’ve been getting back to full fitness, and I’m there now so I’d like to play more and more and I just want to be out there helping the lads on the pitch.
“It’s a great feeling when you come on and have an impact, and when you’re not playing you can feel down a bit.”
The importance of the FA Cup has been called into question at times in recent years with some feeling the might of the Premier League overshadows the cup competitions. That is not the case for Rodwell, who is already dreaming of another trip to Wembley.
“You go into any game, especially an FA Cup game treating them with focus and determination,” Rodwell added. “It doesn’t matter to me if it’s Chelsea or Scunthorpe - I’ll be treating it exactly the same.
“Yes Chelsea had a big result against Bolton but we won’t be dwelling on anything like that. Chelsea have amazing players who can perform at any occasion, and they did look good against Bolton. We just need to give 100%.
“I was only four when Everton won it,” says the unused substitute from the 2009 final. “I have been to Wembley as part of the match day squad but I’d love the chance to go one further. To play and win.”
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