Everton No2 Steve Round admits Jack Rodwell has stepped up his game this season.

The 20-year-old England midfielder has already proved he is unafraid of putting in extra hard work in training this term, by taking on extra sessions to capitalise on the breakthrough he is enjoying.

"Jack's training is really good at the moment," assistant manager Round told the Liverpool Echo.

"He is working really hard and has been doing extra sessions with me in the afternoons.

"He is really looking the part and if he carries on going like he is then we will have an outstanding player on our hands.

"This season he has stepped it up a bit. Last season he had a bit of a dip but that is understandable - he is a young player.

"Young players never really go in a straight line from being okay to being brilliant - it goes in waves. Last season he dipped a bit. He had injuries, he could not get any rhythm and his confidence suffered.

"This year he has come on again, he has built back towards it.

"I never doubted he would. He has the talent, the mental strength and the physical capabilities required."