Everton defender Rodwell in no hurry to follow Rooney to United

05 March 2010 00:42
He has been hailed as a future England centre half, and Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to part with £20million to make him the cornerstone of Manchester United's defence, but Jack Rodwell has his own idea about where his versatile talents might best be utilised.[LNB]The switch to central defence is expected to come sooner rather than later but there was a shake of the head from the Everton youngster as he contemplated his likely career path in the wake of a desperately disappointing 2-1 defeat for England Under 21s against Greece at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Wednesday.[LNB] Jack the lad: Rodwell played in central defence for England Under 21s[LNB]Sounding every bit as assured as he looks on the pitch, he said: 'At the moment, I prefer playing as a box-to-box midfielder. That is how I have been operating for Everton and I can see myself doing it for a while yet.[LNB] Premier League reject plan for play-off to decide final Champions League spotWill John Terry join Ashley Cole, David Beckham, Phil Neville, Frank Lampard, David Bentley and others in England's most-jeered XI?Hull set for Bullard return boost as midfielder eyes Everton return 'The role has been more defensive than attacking but I can get forward, just as I can also play centre half. But I'd say my favoured position was that holding role in midfield. I am happy to carry on there.[LNB]'I don't think there's any need for me to drop back into central defence yet. Maybe it will happen in a few years, when I have gained more experience and maturity.[LNB]'It's hard to play a lad of my age at centre half in the Premier League where you come across the likes of Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. That would be a tough ask for any teenager so I'm more than content where I am.'[LNB] Red Devil: Wayne Rooney made the move from Everton to United as a teenager[LNB]With his 19th birthday just six days away, Rodwell is already older than Wayne Rooney was when he went to Old Trafford for around �25m.[LNB]Ferguson's interest in Everton's latest prodigy may have raised concerns at Goodison Park, but Rodwell did his best to allay them by insisting he was in no hurry to follow Rooney.[LNB]Despite intense transfer speculation Rodwell said: 'Every time I step on to the pitch, I give my all. The manager knows he can count on that.[LNB]'I would like to think I am level-headed enough to deal with that side of things and not let it affect me. I just train hard every day and get on with doing my best for the team. I'm happy at Everton. I can't be anything else after the opportunity they have given me and the way things have gone.' [LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail