Jack Rodwell says he is happy to bide his time in his search for a regular starting spot.

The teenager started his first game of the season on Wednesday, scoring as Everton beat Huddersfield 5-1 in the Carling Cup.

But the battle for a central midfield berth is intense and Rodwell acknowledges that he is not assured a place in the team at Aston Villa on Sunday.

"I know it's a big squad now with plenty of competition," he said.

"But whoever is left out of the team will support the lads who get picked. That's the type of squad we've got here.

"It's frustrating being sat on the bench but I'm still young.

"I'm still learning the game and I've just got to keep doing what I do in training, working hard and take my chance."

Everton's progression to the Carling Cup third round has added another fixture to the calendar and Rodwell is desperate for the Blues to do well in the competition.

"The big squad will come into play when the games come thick and fast," he said. "There will be injuries and suspensions and hopefully I can play a lot of games this season.

"We look at this cup as a great opportunity to get silverware we so badly want here.

"We have started to convert the chances and I think now they've started coming they'll carry on coming. We've got the game against Aston Villa on Sunday now, and hopefully we can take the form from the Huddersfield game into that game."

Rodwell scored a memorable goal against Manchester United at Goodison last season and tickets for this season's clash are on sale now - click here, call 0871 663 1878* or visit the Box Office.