Source: Team_Talk
Rodwell accepts his failings
Jack Rodwell has admitted failing to live up to the hype after losing his place in both the Everton and England Under-21 sides this season.[LNB] But the 20-year-old insisted all that is finally behind him as he bids for a recall for his country's second European Under-21 Championship clash with Ukraine on Wednesday night.[LNB]Rodwell has spent the past four years being feted as one of the finest midfield talents of his generation, his performances seeing him repeatedly linked with a big-money move to Manchester United.[LNB]That could still go ahead one day but Rodwell has certainly not increased his reported £20million transfer value since signing a new contract with Everton just over a year ago.[LNB]Injuries have blighted his season but he has also been disappointing enough when he has played not to warrant an automatic place for club or country.[LNB]"I just stopped still because of one thing and another," said Rodwell.[LNB]"When I have been out of the team, I haven't been able to get back in.[LNB]"The couple of seasons before that, I had felt as if I had done really well, I'd played in a lot of games and I have tended to play in age groups ahead of the ones I was in."[LNB]He added: "I just hope it's finally behind me now and I am looking forward to next season already."[LNB]Rodwell revealed how Everton captain Phil Neville had helped him cope with his "frustrating" campaign.[LNB]"I'm a strong person and when I am not in the team, I can motivate myself to keep focused and be prepared for when I get called on.[LNB]"There are a lot of senior pros to look up to. Phil Neville has been great in terms of the pointers he has given me.[LNB]"He's told me what to do and when to do it when I have been injured, how to deal with any frustrations I have had when I have not been picked.[LNB]"It's been great to have him around to get that kind of support."[LNB]Despite his form, Rodwell was a surprise omission from his country's European Under-21 Championship opener against Spain on Sunday.[LNB]But his introduction from the bench helped England snatch a fortuitous 1-1 draw.[LNB]He said: "I felt good when I came one. I finally feel fresh.[LNB]"I've shaken off a lot of injuries this season but I feel good now, mentally and physically.[LNB]"It's not for me to say whether I will get in on Wednesday night but I always want to play so let's hope so, fingers crossed."[LNB]