Source: Daily_Mail
Everton reward promising youngster Rodwell with new five-year deal
Teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell has agreed a new five-year deal with Evertonand is likely to sign his contract by the weekend. The 17-year-old scored his first goal for the Toffees in Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup victory at home to Aston Villa. 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. 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'Just to play for Everton is an honour, but to get the goal, I am made up,' said Rodwell. 'I'm glad it's out of the way, hopefully there's more to come. 'My ambitions are just to keep working hard and when I do get on to make an impression.' Aussie Cahill pays respects to bushfire victims back home with goal tribute FA Cup quarter final draw: Big three kept apart in the last eight EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB 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. 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. 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)'The youngsters have been outstanding, they have stepped into the side with so much maturity,' said Cahill. '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.' '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.'The youngsters really showed their worth. And we have to all pull together when we have as many injuries as we have now. Aussie Cahill pays respects to bushfire victims back home with goal tribute FA Cup quarter final draw: Big three kept apart in the last eight EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB