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Everton midfield legend Peter Reid has backed Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell to dominate the Everton midfield for years to come and save the club some money in the process.

Reidy said: "If Rodwell and Barkley can come through in the middle of the park it'd be great.

"They both have ability to open up and dictate games. Why not have two young lads come through and save the club a bit of money.

"They have both had injuries but I had plenty of injuries in my career and it is difficult, but they have just got to be strong.

"With the sports science involved in football these days you can really improve your core strength and stamina and go out on the pitch and try to dominate games.

"With Jack I think he's got all the attributes but I think he needs to stamp his authority on games - that's not criticism it's meant to help.

"Especially in the middle of the park you need that, he's got all the attributes to do it and he's got to do it. He's no longer a kid, he's a player now and has to come up with the goods; I'm sure he will.

"He hasn't always had the luck. I was at the derby last season when he got that red card and it was a joke. Embarrassing. Football finally died that day after that decision. It was a great tackle and it was unfortunate but you've got to overcome those things, it's part and parcel of the game.