Once again we have played right into the media's hands. Every now and then, they feel obliged to force a new 'wonder kid' upon us, some one we can hold up in high esteem along side the up and coming Brazilians and Spanish starlets. Rooney is a prime example, lauded over by the media and rated as one of the best in the world - but as of yet, no one has come knocking for him. The British media, like they did with Beckham and Gaza, then like to languish in besmirching and de-moralising these players by making them into role models and then wait anxiously for them to screw up.
'Young' Jack Rodwell was held up like a Simba in the Lion King for all to see and to gush over. They spoke of building the next England team around him and placed a £30 million price tag on his head. His performance against Manchester United in the 3-1 win, when he celebrated shirtless with Landon Donovan at the Street End ! Was indeed the stuff of childhood dreams come true!
But since then..nothing..zilch..it's all petered out and spluttered to a grinding halt. Making the way clear for Jack Wilshire to be the next flavour of the month.
Maybe this is a minor blip on Jack's record, maybe he will come good again once he finds a more static role in the team. But until then, he will have to bide his time and learn his craft the hard way. I for one, am glad of this, the last time one of our 'Young Stars' started to appear on the media's radar too soon, we lost him after less than a full season. We need to keep hold of and nurture our young talent, not let it become a celebrity asset to be whored out to Coca Cola and Nike for a few measly sheckles
