However, Rodwell, who came off the bench to score in Saturday’s stunning 3-1 win over Manchester United, has set his sights on filling the void left by Fellaini, who faces six months out with an ankle injury.

The England under-21s international said: “Sometimes you get your chances from other people’s injuries, which is unfortunate for them but you’ve got to take that chance.

“I’ve been working hard in training, keeping my head down and hopefully I’ll get a run in the back end of the season.

“I’ve been out for six weeks and it was really frustrating. It’s hard to get back in the team now but I’m focused and that’s what I intend to do.”

Rodwell enjoyed a dream cameo against Manchester United and believes Everton are well placed to enjoy a strong finish to the campaign.

“Just to get on against United was great but to score and beat them was the icing on the cake,” he added. “We’ve beaten Manchester City, Chelsea and now Manchester United. We’ve had some great results at home and the confidence is brilliant.

“We need to beat the other sides like Aston Villa and Bolton to push for Europe. Who knows where we can finish?

“Mikel (Arteta) was amazing against United and he’s been out for a year. Who knows where we’d have been with him?

“Phil Jagielka hasn’t played and he was our best player last season.

“The future really is bright for Everton.”

Rodwell and Dan Gosling have both been named in the England under-21s squad to play Greece at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Wednesday, March 3.