Source: Team_Talk
Rodwell nearly ready to return
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell hopes to be back in first-team action soon after making a rapid recovery from a serious ankle injury.[LNB] The England Under-21 international stepped up his rehabilitation with an appearance for the Toffees reserves against Blackpool yesterday.[LNB]It was feared the 19-year-old could be out for up to three months when he suffered the injury nine weeks ago.[LNB]It first became apparent Rodwell was ahead of schedule when he was surprisingly named among the substitutes for last week's Premier League clash against Stoke.[LNB]Rodwell told the club's website: "Credit has to go to the medical team. I'm a few weeks ahead of schedule.[LNB]"I was meant to be out until Christmas time so I've done really well to get back by now. Now it's just a case of getting my confidence up and getting a bit of time on the pitch like I did against Blackpool.[LNB]"I'll get my head down, do some extra work in the gym and hopefully I'll get my chance again."[LNB]Rodwell has not played for the first team since being forced off during the defeat at Aston Villa on August 29.[LNB]He admits he still feels short of match-fitness but is confident it will soon return.[LNB]"The sharpness will come," he added. "It was my first game back in nine or 10 weeks so I'm pleased with how it has gone.[LNB]"I'm three weeks ahead of schedule so I can't complain, but there are little bits that I need to work on."
