JOLEON LESCOTT may be packing his bags, but Everton supporters can start reaching for their passports.

With the wantaway centre-back sat in the stands, David Moyes’s side effectively sealed qualification to the group stages of the Europa League in emphatic style. 

And it was somehow apt Lescott’s absence allowed a homegrown talent to further blossom last night. 

Moyes turned to Jack Rodwell to fill the midfield breach left by Phil Neville being forced into temporary centre-back duty. 

It was a decision that paid rich dividends, Rodwell shining bright on European stage and striking two memorable goals to help Everton on their way to an impressive first-leg victory over Czech outfit Sigma Olomouc. 

Of all the youngsters to have come through the Goodison since Wayne Rooney, Rodwell has always been the one for which hopes have been highest. 

Moyes has been rightly protective of the 18-year-old since his debut in the UEFA Cup tie at AZ Alkmaar two seasons ago. 

But Rodwell’s outrageous long-range brace either side of half-time - one with the left foot, one with his right - will have made his claims for regular first-team inclusion difficult to ignore. 

Already Everton’s youngest-ever player in Europe, Rodwell’s audacious first strike also made him the youngster player to score in Continental combat for the club. 

Few would be surprised if more landmarks fall the way of the England under-21 international in the coming years. 

With Louis Saha also weighing in with a brace, this was the ideal response to the 6-1 opening-day humiliation to Arsenal, an energetic and vibrant Everton possessing far too much quality and intent for the visitors. 

The fall-out to that defeat involved an unhappy Moyes informing Lescott he will not be considered until he changes the “poor attitude” that led to his axing.