Moyes hopes red card will reinvigorate Rodwell

Everton manager David Moyes hopes Jack Rodwell’s sending-off against Liverpool will be the making of the young midfielder.

The England Under-21 star was given his marching orders by Martin Atkinson after the referee deemed his 25th-minute challenge on Luis Suarez to be reckless in their clash earlier this month.

The red card has since been overturned, meaning Rodwell has escaped a three-match ban, and Moyes is hoping the support he received after the sending off will show him he can make tough challenges.

“In a way, I think the backing he has got off everyone after the red card has actually helped him – to see everyone felt it was the right thing to do has shown him his tackle was a good tackle,” Moyes said.

“He’s tackling in training and the way he’s gone about things has improved. He knows so many people supported what he did and were behind him.”

“I think he had to realise that, when he didn’t have the ball, he had to win the ball back and be competitive.”

“When he’s got it, he’s quite elegant and composed in possession. But when he didn’t have it, he had to show the other side to it.”

“Hopefully it will help him mature and become an all-round midfield player in whatever type of game he’s in – whether he has the ball or whether he’s having to help get it back.”

Since Mikel Arteta left for Arsenal in the summer, Rodwell has held down a regular starting place in the Everton team. Moyes believes the departure of the Spaniard has also helped the youngster grow as a player as he has taken on more responsibility in the heart of the midfield.

“I think Jack’s feeling as if he might have to be one of the main men since Mikel left. Before, he was always just ‘the boy’,” he said.

“He has to take on that mantle and he’s just beginning to look as though he might be able to carry it. He’s got the ability to score with both feet and he’s a good striker of the ball. I think he’s beginning to believe a bit more.”

“He’s beginning to understand a bit more about what is expected, as well. So, all round, there are good signs for Jack.”

“But even though he’s got all the games [under his belt] he’s still young and we’re keeping our eye on him.”