Everton reward promising youngster Rodwell with new five-year deal

17 February 2009 05:24
Teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell has agreed a new five-year deal with Everton[LNB]and is likely to sign his contract by the weekend. [LNB]The 17-year-old scored his first goal for the Toffees in Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup victory at home to Aston Villa[LNB]. [LNB]Rodwell, who made his debut aged 16 in the UEFA Cup in December 2007, has made 13 first-team appearances this season, seven of which were from the start. [LNB][LNB] Hot Rod: 17-year-old Jack Rodwell, who scored against Aston Villa, has been rewarded for his excellent form with a new five-year deal at Goodison Park[LNB]'Just to play for Everton is an honour, but to get the goal, I am made up,' said Rodwell. [LNB]'I'm glad it's out of the way, hopefully there's more to come. [LNB]'My ambitions are just to keep working hard and when I do get on to make an impression.'[LNB] Aussie Cahill pays respects to bushfire victims back home with goal tribute [LNB]FA Cup quarter final draw: Big three kept apart in the last eight [LNB]EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB]Meanwhile, Toffees team-mate Tim Cahill has promised Everton's stars will 'look after' the club's  two brilliant teenage prospects as the club edge ever closer to Wembley. [LNB]Cahill, who scored the clinching third goal in Sunday's FA Cup 3-1 win over Aston Villa to reach the quarter-finals, has been thrilled by the progress of Rodwell and 18-year-old Dan Gosling who have been thrust into Everton's injury-hit side.[LNB] Blues brothers: Everton midfielder Tim Cahill (R) has pledged to fully support the club's current crop of impressive youngsters such as as Dan Gosling (L)[LNB]'The youngsters have been outstanding, they have stepped into the side with so much maturity,' said Cahill. [LNB]'The senior players here have been very impressed. And you can be sure we will look after them as their careers progress, that is what this squad is all about.' [LNB]'We will do all we can to help the youngsters, it is the style here to do that. They have been around the squad for a while and the gaffer has bedded them in nicely.[LNB]'The youngsters really showed their worth. And we have to all pull together when we have as many injuries as we have now.[LNB] Aussie Cahill pays respects to bushfire victims back home with goal tribute [LNB]FA Cup quarter final draw: Big three kept apart in the last eight [LNB]EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail