Source: Daily_Mail
Rodwell hoping to cap dream debut season by lining up for Everton at Wembley
Teenage prospect Jack Rodwell is ready to crown a fairytale rise to prominence with a key role in Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Everton's 18-year old midfielder only made his full debut against Blackburn last August but has made such strides during the season that manager David Moyes admitted he was a 'serious' contender for a starting place at Wembley.
Southport-born Rodwell is seen as a future England centre-half by many at Goodison Park but has made his mark in central midfield so far and could be asked to check the runs of Frank Lampard as Everton chase their first trophy in 14 years.
'Jack looked a little starry-eyed when he first came into the side, but his maturity over the course of the season has been really noticeable,' said Moyes. 'You have to have steel and character to come into the Premier League at his age, and he has shown those qualities and a great deal of ability.
'He could definitely be among the starters at Wembley. It is something that is under serious consideration. I would have no fears whatsoever about starting with Jack, because I know he would contribute and I don't think he would be fazed by the occasion.
'Sometimes, 30-year old players can be fazed by stepping out in a final, but one of Jack's greatest qualities is his level-headedness. There are some who are more interested in the trappings of emerging as a top player, but not Jack. First and foremost, he wants to be a footballer, and that gives me great hope that he will keep progressing.
'The likes of Jack and Dan Gosling might not have expected to be involved too much at the start of the season, but circumstances opened up an opportunity for them. We found ourselves short on numbers, and they were thrown in. The reaction from both was so positive, they have now given themselves a chance of playing in an FA Cup final at Wembley. If there were a few dark clouds last August, that has to be one of the silver linings.'
