Jack Rodwell says playing alongside Everton’s experienced professionals is boosting his performances.

The 18-year-old excelled in an important defensive midfield role during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Tottenham, and afterwards he revealed that he’d recieved guidance in abundance from captain Phil Neville and his midfield counterparts throughout.

And Rodwell believes gaining more minutes on the field with the likes of Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar can only be beneficial for the younger players’ development. 

"They are experienced professionals and they do their best to help the youngsters like and Dan (Gosling) and myself, so to have them alongside us is good," Rodwell told evertonTV.

"I had Phil Neville screaming down my ear all game, and as the captain he's trying to give everyone advice which is good.

"Me and Dan get on well. When we play together we always link up well, we help each other as we were on the same side (of the pitch) so we were talking to each other throughout the game."

During the frustrating draw with Harry Redknapp's side, Rodwell managed to execute several long-range shots for the Toffees - a clear indication that the youngster's increasing first team experience is boosting his confidence.

"I had a few to be honest", Rodwell continued. "In the second half, I was probably a bit anxious to get the shot away - maybe I should have played a bit more - but I felt like we weren’t penetrating them so I rushed some shots.

"I had a decent one in the first half with my left foot which was a bit closer. With experience, I will know when to shoot and when not to.

"The squad is getting smaller with injuries so hopefully I will stay in the team and if not, then I will keep working hard to try and get back in.

"We're still there or thereabouts for fifth place, which is good. And if we take that knowledge into our last two games it will give us confidence. The pressure isn't off now, we've got to get that fifth place."