JACK RODWELL gave David Moyes a welcome surprise by helping move Everton to the brink of qualification for the Europa League group stages.

And the Goodison manager revealed he was hopeful of bringing in four players before the transfer window closes later this month.

Rodwell netted two blistering strikes as Everton bounced back from their opening-day debacle against Arsenal with a 4-0 home win over Czech side Sigma Olomouc in the first leg of their final qualifier.

With the axed Joleon Lescott watching from the stands, Louis Saha also scored twice to put Everton in a strong position going into next Thursday’s second leg.

Rodwell, though, assumed centre stage last night and Moyes believes the 18-year-old can play an increasing role for Everton in the coming weeks.

“We have always said that Jack Rodwell has great potential and we hope that he will go on to fulfil that,” said the Goodison manager.

“We will bring him along in the right way. He showed in this game he is a very good player.

“He has composure on the ball. He can control a game but what I didn’t know was that he had such a good shot on him. I have not really seen him do that before.

“I knew he could strike a lovely ball but did not know he could rattle the ball like that.”

Moyes added: “I have said that maybe in years to come he can turn into a centre-back but at this moment he is a central midfielder, otherwise I might have put him at centre-back tonight.

“He has a bit to go yet. We will use him in games that we see fit but now he has a great opportunity to play games because we don’t have that many players. He is a really good boy, a good listener. He wants to improve and he is conscientious and we all think he has a lot of potential.”

Rodwell was on the receiving end of a strong challenge shortly after his second goal but soldiered on until being replaced with 13 minutes remaining.