Jack Rodwell is delighted with his new four-year Everton contract.

The youngster told evertonTV: "I've been waiting for this for a long time, so I'm just pleased to get it signed now.

"I've been here since I was seven, so it's been 10 good years and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"Obviously I want to become a regular starter for Everton, but it will take time and hard work so I know that I just have to keep working."

The Birkdale-born youngster possesses a cool head both on and off the field and recognises that his development will be a gradual process.

"I've always set high goals for myself, but it is all happening very fast and that is probably because of the squad size. I will just keep working," reasoned Rodwell.

"If I play, I always want to do my best. If I score it's a bonus and if I play well it's a bonus."