Rodwell nurturing Olympic dream

Rodwell nurturing Olympic dream

Published Jan. 29, 2012 1:15 p.m. ET

Rodwell, who remains in contention for a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for Euro 2012, has received and accepted an invitation from Team GB boss Stuart Pearce if he is not required by the Three Lions.

And with a number of his Goodison Park team-mates also in contention for either European Championship or Olympic action this summer, Toffees boss David Moyes has some cause for concern.

Moyes has already insisted that any players involved in the Olympic tournament, which runs from July 25 to August 11, will then have to report immediately for club duty, a stance Rodwell fully respects.

The 20-year-old told the Sunday Times: "I'm not booking any holidays. Because if I'm not in the Euros, hopefully I'll be in the Olympics.

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"I've had the letter and said, yeah, I'd love to play. (Phil) Neville, (James) McFadden, (Ross) Barkley got letters too. And Jags (Phil Jagielka) and (Leighton) Baines, in case they're not in the Euros.

"Nobody knows what to expect but I'd feel very proud. I mean, you can't get any more, for me, than playing for England but playing for Britain would hopefully be as good.

"You'd have to go straight into the season afterwards but there's time for holidays at the end of your career."

Rodwell, who was linked with reported interest from Chelsea in December, is determined to make a significant impact for Everton this season as he looks to become a key player for his club now he has found his favoured role in midfield.

He added: "I'm 21 in March and it does feel like coming of age. I'm no longer a young kid. I've developed as a player and I can't get away with being 'promising' any more.

"It's time to deliver. I'm not a boy, I'm a man now and I've got to step up to the plate. It's time to be an important player.

"Last season I was playing everywhere, on the right, off the front, sometimes on the left. I didn't know what my position was going to be. From the second game this season I've been central, in a two-man midfield, and feel more comfortable.

"I'm not a wide man and not an attacking midfielder as such. I can do it, but I prefer starting deeper, getting forward and getting back. Playing up the field, you're left waiting for the team to get the ball to you. Further back, I can break things up then join in."

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