Moyes: Rodwell needs to perform for full 90

Reunited after their early years together at Everton, David Moyes has backed midfielder Jack Rodwell to be a success at Sunderland.

The 25-year-old has yet to start in a Premier League win for the Black Cats since his move to the Stadium of Light in 2014, but Moyes is adamant the player he gave a debut to at Goodison Park can still make an impact on Wearside.

Rodwell returned to action for the first time since October in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, on January 2, and started the 0-0 FA Cup draw with Burnley at the weekend.

But his manager is already demanding more from the former Manchester City man if he is to return to his best in the near future.

“I thought Jack played well, especially in the first half against Burnley,” said Moyes.

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“He’s now got to find a way of getting through that last 15-20 minutes when he’s treading a bit of water, but overall I thought he did well.

“Be more aggressive and make sure you’re on the ball [has been my message to Jack since I came to the club].

“He needs to switch the play and pass it, but a lot of the time he has to be aggressive in his play and it can’t just be that part of the game.

“Jack has the attributes to be a very good player and he’s had them for a long, long time, and in the last couple of games he’s started to show it.”