Cars The Role Model

Jack Rodwell reckons that Lee Carsley is the ideal midfield role model.

With the Republic of Ireland international now having moved to Birmingham, Rodwell has thanked his team-mate for the advice that he has offered.

The latest product of the Everton Academy had been predominantly viewed as a defender for the under-18 side, however David Moyes appears to prefer him in a midfield berth.

And that position is one that Carsley has made his own for the past six years.

Rodwell told evertonTV: “Lee’s a great lad, he’s helped me a lot to move into the defensive-midfield position and I wish him well for the future.”

17-year-old Rodwell made three appearances for the Blues’ first team this season, and became the youngest ever Everton player to have appeared in a European game.

Thinking back over the recent campaign, the Birkdale-born prospect cannot believe the success he has had this year.

He continued: “It’s always been my dream to play for the first team at Everton. I’ve been here since I was seven so to play this season has been magnificent and hopefully there’s more to come.

“All of this season has been great, but to play in the first team and make my debut in Holland, also my Premier League debut at Sunderland and then I got another appearance on the last day of the season against Newcastle so it’s been great.

“I just have to keep working hard and keep my feet on the ground, and then more appearances will come.”