I scored the goal that beat Utd last year.. I'll do the same today

Posted Saturday, April 23, 2011 by The Sun

JACK RODWELL has relived his wonder goal that sent Manchester United spinning to defeat last season - and warned he wants to do it again.

Everton's youngster faces United again today with that stunning solo effort still fresh on his mind.

Rodwell would love nothing better than a repeat of the super strike that helped clinch a 3-1 win for David Moyes' side.

The 20-year-old midfielder recalled: "I came on for the last few minutes at Goodison Park when the manager told me just to mark Paul Scholes.

"He was dictating the play, so the boss told me to stick on his shoulder and just run past him if I had the chance.

"When I did get the ball there was a lot of space in front, so I just went for it - and it came off.

"Signing contracts is always a big thing for me but on the pitch that goal was definitely the high point of my career.

"I mean, it's United. It doesn't get any bigger than that and everyone's talking about it all week. And I do think these type of games tend to bring out the best in me."

Everton desperately hope Rodwell, whose season has been ravaged by injury, can step up to the plate again at Old Trafford today as United have dropped just two points at home all season.

Yet Everton are currently the form side, unbeaten in eight and with one stunning result against Fergie's men already under their belt as two stoppage-time goals earned them a 3-3 draw at Goodison in September.

Rodwell explained: "We've played really well against them in recent games and, hopefully, we can raise ourselves again.

"The manager will tell us what we can do better than them and we will go there full of confidence because we definitely have a top-four or five team here.

"We will never go anywhere thinking we'll get beaten but that we have a real chance against everyone and this is no different.

"To be honest they're all big games for me after being out and the United game is the perfect chance to prove what I can do. I'm confident I can.

"It's great when people talk you up but I have a long way still to go. What I need are a few good back-to-back games, maybe 20 in peak form.

"I was hoping for that this season but it didn't work out that way. So now I'm looking forward to the chance of fulfilling my potential because I certainly haven't done it yet.

"In an ideal world, for me the season would have another three or four months to go because I've missed that much of it.

"But after the injuries I don't want to jinx anything by saying what I hope for - other than just to stay fit."

After the season he has endured, that is understandable.

This was supposed to be the campaign when Rodwell emerged as the man boss Moyes was ready to build his team around.

The campaign when he justified all the hype and potential which has surrounded him since his debut as a 16-year-old. And the campaign turned out the exact opposite.

Rodwell never really got out of the blocks. Three months out with an ankle problem which needed surgery and another month on the sidelines with an injured groin, means today's trip to United will be only his 13th start of the season.

It has been a harsh lesson in the other side of football for Rodwell. And one he admits left him floored at times.

He said: "It's been hugely frustrating. I got the ankle injury and was out a few months, tore my groin and then had another ankle problem.

"It was a real kick in the teeth to be out for so long and I was really down at times.

"I actually came back early and maybe the other injuries were as a result of that, so I desperately just want to put that behind me now.

"The last injury was difficult. When I had the scan they said it showed a tear in my tendon, which would have been three months, a much more serious one.

"But they realised it was an old tear from the previous ankle injury and that avoided the need for surgery, which was obviously much better news.

"It's just so hard to keep your spirits up and being at training makes you think of it even more really, knowing there's no game to look forward to.

"You can get down but you have to realise you are living the dream and injuries are part and parcel of it - but it was really hard at times."

So while the rest of football already has half an eye on the summer break, Rodwell is determined to finish off the 2010-11 season with a flourish, And another cracker to floor Manchester United would not go amiss!