JACK RODWELL emulated one of his football heroes when he put pen-to-paper on a new contract at Everton.

In signing on the dotted line for a further five years, the youngster ultimately rejected Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson is known to be a keen admirer of Rodwell’s prodigious talent and was apparently ready to pounce should the teenager show any signs of discontent at Goodison.

That was never going to happen.

As was the case when a young Alan Shearer sprang to national prominence in the early 1990s, United’s radar has been alerted to Rodwell’s rising star.

It had already tempted a certain Wayne Rooney to Old Trafford but not Rodwell.

While Shearer resisted United’s overtures and moved to Blackburn Rovers, Rodwell has opted to stay put.

“I’ve been at Everton since I was seven so I’ve never known any different really,” explains the 19-year-old.

“Before I came here I was neutral. I just loved watching football. If anything, I leant a bit towards Newcastle because my favourite player was Alan Shearer.

“But since I’ve joined Everton I’ve never looked away.”

His loyalty will provide a huge boost for David Moyes.

With the Joloeon Lescott episode still fresh in the memory, the Everton manager is looking to develop his squad this summer, not lose key members to the Premier League’s assumed big-hitters who Everton aspire to challenge next season.

Rodwell now joins Tim Cahill and Seamus Coleman in committing his future to the club.

As talks to tie down Mikel Arteta and Leighton Baines continue, Rodwell holds great faith in the squad Moyes has assembled.

“Tim Cahill has just signed a new deal and I’m happy to sign mine,” he said.

“Tim’s a big player for us. The squad is brilliant as it is now. If possible it would be good if we can add to it. If not, it’s good as it is.”

Apart from evidence as a stunning striker of the ball, comparisons between Rodwell and Shearer end here.