Baines: Rodwell can handle big stage
Everton teenager Jack Rodwell could be the surprise package at Wembley in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
There is growing speculation that Everton boss David Moyes will use Rodwell from the start of the match against Chelsea.
That would mean Tim Cahill playing in a more forward position, along with Marouane Fellaini, leaving a midfield gap for Rodwell.
That would be daunting proposition for many youngsters, but according to Leighton Baines the England under-21 cap Rodwell will take it in all in his stride.
The former Wigan full-back said of Rodwell: “Jack has been one of our stand-out players in the last few months. He is still very young but he has been outstanding for us and has a big future.
“It hasn’t surprised us how well he has done. We have seen in training what a good player he is, the only problem for a young player is transferring that out onto the pitch.
“But he is a sensible lad, and has fantastic composure. He has handled the transition to the first-team very well and we all have confidence in him.”
Baines believes his left-flank partnership with Steven Pienaar could also be key to the final.
He says: “My partnership with Steven has really taken off. He has such great ability that he is a dream to play behind.
“I just give him the ball and run past him, and he plays the pass. I never have to worry about him losing possession with me out or position, because that just doesn’t happen.
“And he will track back and help me out when we haven’t got the ball. We have a good understanding at the moment.
“He is such an intelligent player, he reads the game so well. When we lost Mikel Arteta we needed someone to step in, and Steven has certainly done that for us.
“We have got to believe we can win this one. We must have a belief that we can beat Chelsea.
“We have a fantastic mix of players with great ability but who are prepared to do the hard work as well. And we have a great team spirit and collective effort. Everything seems to be coming together nicely.”
