Everton boss Dave Moyes has been impressed by Jack Rodwell's form in preseason.

"There are bits of his game that he needs to improve on but that is more to do with age and experience," he told the Daily Post.

"What you can't fault him on is his passing. He is comfortable in possession, he's got a style about him and the way he does things. What he needs is the experience of getting roughed up a little bit.

"That will happen when the 'big ball' comes out.

"He has always been in my thoughts and is doing well.

"But there will be times when it helps his development to go back down into the reserves and come through the way most young players do."

Of the youngsters, Moyes adds: "As the season goes on, we are going to have to use these boys as we don't really have big numbers."