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Gosling wins skipper's backing
Everton, 10:45, August 6, 2008 ,
Young midfielder Dan Gosling has been tipped to break into Everton's first team in the Premier League by skipper Phil Neville.
The versatile veteran defender has been keeping tabs on some of the Toffees' youngsters who have been thrown into action by boss David Moyes during the club's pre-season preparations this summer.
Gosling, who has been compared to Chelsea and England star Frank Lampard, has stood out the most and Neville cannot see any reason why he, and possibly fellow starlet Jack Rodwell, will not be handed an opportunity in the top-flight next term.
He said: "I've been mightily impressed by Dan Gosling.
"The way he goes past players, it doesn't look like he's running fast but he is. He's a real box to box player.
"He has a similar type of attitude to Leon Osman, he likes to get forward and against Forest and Preston he should have scored. He looks like he has got a goal in him."
He added: "Rodwell and Gosling are the ones who look like they are going to come through this season. I'll be very surprised if they start against Blackburn but I think they're ready to get experience in the Premier League."