Jack Rodwell is happy to help Everton tyro Ross Barkley when he can.

Barkley has broken into the first team at 17 years of age, similar to when Rodwell was first introduced to Everton fans.

"It was a bit surreal because obviously he's one of the lads here, and we keep in touch a lot," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I've made my debut for the 21s and it can be daunting. It's a big step from the 19s to the 21s, everyone is watching. You've just got to reassure him everything is going to be fine, and tell him to play his normal game.

"There's a pressure in the sense of knowing that if you do well at that level, the next step up is the seniors. 21s is a man's game and 19's is still a boys' game. I think Ross will do really well. He came in and did well against Israel, and he has done well here this season.

"I'm sure he'll be fine with the mental side of it, he's got the backing of everyone here."