Everton superkid Jack Rodwell admits Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is his hero.

"It's only the last season when I've played in central midfield," he told the Daily Mail. "The person I've always looked up to is Rio Ferdinand and it's brilliant to be compared to him. I do like to play out from the back, so that's probably why they've played me in midfield, because I'm comfortable on the ball."

Rodwell and Ferdinand swapped shirts after Everton beat Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final, a cherished souvenir from a breakthrough season which may yet include something from Sweden to sit alongside his FA Cup runners-up medal.