• Premier League

Neville confident Everton will cope without Rodwell

ESPN staff
August 14, 2012
Phil Neville believes Everton can prosper without Jack Rodwell © Getty Images
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Everton captain Phil Neville believes the club will have no problem overcoming the sale of new Manchester City signing Jack Rodwell.

Rodwell, one of the most highly-regarded English prospects around, completed his move to the Premier League champions at the weekend. While disappointed to see a youth team product depart Goodison Park, Neville noted that the 21-year-old never quite seemed to deliver on his potential in his time with the Toffees.

He expects other young players to step up in his place this season.

"I think we have got a number of players that can play in midfield, but Jack provided great competition," Neville said, according to the Mirror. "With any young player, you do get inconsistency with performances. I think we saw that with Jack at times.

"He produced some unbelievable performances in the big occasions for us. The disappointing thing was that he never quite sustained it when he was about to break through.

"We are quite strong in central midfield - bearing in mind that Jack hadn't played for the last six months - so I'm sure we can cope with that.

"It's important to always freshen up with new faces. We have Ross Barkley and Francisco Junior breaking through now. You lose one player, but you open up a space and an opportunity for someone else."

Neville reckons the transfer, believed to be in the region of £15 million, will prove mutually beneficial.

"I think it's a fantastic deal for both parties," he added. "For Jack, to go and play at the Champions League level and for the club to receive a lot of money.

"I think the club's done a fantastic job with Jack in terms of helping him fulfil that potential. Hopefully we can strengthen the team now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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