• Premier League

Rodwell: English players get chances at City

ESPN staff
October 12, 2012
Jack Rodwell believes he will shine under Roberto Mancini © PA Photos
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Jack Rodwell has refuted claims by former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson that English players cannot develop at the home of the Premier League champions.

Johnson, who moved to Sunderland in August, warned homegrown players that a move to City would not be rewarded given the array of foreign talent and competition.

But Englishman Rodwell said he would not have moved from Everton if he did not think City could benefit him.

"I'm young and English. I've not got a bad word to say about City," Rodwell said. "If they want you and sign you, then they have got intent for you.

"I was not guaranteed a starting place at Everton. I had a lot of injuries, Darron Gibson and Marouane Fellaini were in form, so it was a push for me to get in that side. But when the champions come knocking, it's hard to refuse."

Rodwell is yet to assert himself in the City squad and admits it will take a bit of time to get used to life after Everton.

"It has been hard to adjust. I was at Everton from the age of seven," he said. "Being there 14 years meant any move was going to be big. The methods and styles are very different. The respective managers are very different. The standard of training is amazing."

The 21-year-old will take part in England's first play-off match against Serbia on Friday as the Under-21 side aim to secure a spot at Euro 2013.

"The focus is on Serbia. It will be really tough but we've got to win, especially with it being at home," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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