Jack Rodwell signs new contract for Everton FC

This season he has started in seven of the 13 appearances he has made, mainly in the centre of midfield despite Moyes seeing him as a future central defender.

And after a decade with the club, he is determined to take his game to the next level.

"I've been waiting for this for a long time, so I'm just pleased to get it signed now," said Rodwell.

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

"But it's a new beginning now for me. I'm 17 so I'm a young player and I've got to keep working hard. Hopefully it will all go well.

"Obviously I want to become a regular starter for Everton, but it will take time. It is all happening very fast at the moment probably because of the squad size

"But I've always set high goals for myself so I will just keep working."

Dan Gosling has joined Rodwell in the ranks of teenagers making an impact at Goodison, as both have played a major role in Everton's recent run of one defeat in 13 games.

Injuries to key players have accelerated their development and with Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Marouane Fellaini still racing to be fit to face Newcastle on Sunday - after missing the cup win over Villa - the youngsters could get another chance at St James's Park.

Gosling, who only turned 19 earlier this month, scored the winning goal in the fourth round FA Cup replay against Liverpool and Rodwell admits his progression has made it easier for him to settle in.

"It's good for me and Dan," he added on evertonfc.com. "We're both starting to break through at the moment.

"Sometimes that has taken the pressure off me and I've taken the pressure off him and it's worked quite well.

"Dan obviously got the goal against Liverpool, so it worked that night. And I got the goal against Aston Villa, so it's all working quite well.

"All the players have been great with me, but I think that Phil Neville has always given me good advice, because obviously he is the captain.

"He's been there and done it - he's won things with Manchester United and he's got a lot of experience.

"The spirit has always been good at Everton, but at the moment we're on a good run and the camp has just got to keep it going."

The securing of Rodwell's long-term future also ensures him having to cope with a lot more attention when he is out in his home city.

"I am getting recognised a bit more now," he said. "Sometimes I will just be in a restaurant and people will come up to me and ask for my autograph - but I don't mind."