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Jack Rodwell made his Everton debut aged 16 only to later become a hugely divisive figure at Sunderland - now the midfielder is looking to light up the A-League with new club Sydney FC

Mention the name Jack Rodwell to rusted-on football fans and you will likely be met with a shake of the head.

The Sydney FC recruit has an enviable CV - including a stint with Manchester City where he won a title in 2013/14 - and made his first team debut for English Premier League side Everton aged just 16.

Comparisons to fellow standout Blues junior Wayne Rooney followed, and after a handful of England caps, a glittering career seemed a formality for the prodigy.

But professional football isn't about fairytales, as Rodwell knows better than most.