Marouane Fellaini and Jack Rodwell are two of the brightest midfield talents around.

That's the view of Everton boss David Moyes, who predicted the pair will sit among some of the Premier League's top talent as their development continues.

Despite making just 13 league start between them so far, Moyes is confident the pair will be a vital part of the Blues' future.

Fellaini is back from suspension to face Middlesbrough this weekend and Rodwell gave a good account of himself after starting the game at West Ham on Saturday.

He declared: "I am really excited about Fellaini being 20-years-old and Jack Rodwell being 17. I think we could have two of the most exciting young midfield players in the country in the future.

"It might mean we have to take a step back for a year to let those two develop and come through, but I definitely think both those young players have big futures ahead of them."

[advert]

Fellaini's standing has been highlighted by the £15million price tag Everton paid for his services and the regular starting position he now holds down for his country.

Home-grown Rodwell has played for England's under 16s, 17s and 19s and Moyes reckons he has what it takes to play for the full side.

"Fellaini is already a big player in Belgium and a big part of the new up and coming Belgium side which is full of young players," said Moyes. "And I have no doubt Jack Rodwell will be a player in the future for Everton and more than likely for England as well."

The Everton boss also revealed that he felt some of the yellow cards Fellaini received that lead to his one-match ban were harsh.

"I think using the word tackling might be over the top!" said Moyes. "He has got big gangly legs and they have got in the way. I think they have been soft bookings but if you score a goal and celebrate and don’t go off the pitch - he wouldn’t have been suspended, so that is what he got it for.

"Hopefully his development and his understanding will get better."

Tickets for the game against Boro are available now - click here.