Manchester City's £15m Jack Rodwell says 'the hard work starts today' after signing five-year deal

The hard work starts now for Manchester City new boy Jack Rodwell.

After signing a five-year deal that could eventually net Everton £15million, Rodwell immediately headed off on England duty.

However, he must now impress manager Roberto Mancini enough to be involved when City begin their Premier League title defence against Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

"The hard work starts today as I start to help contribute to the club winning more silverware," Rodwell told http://www.mcfc.co.uk.

"The season has already started well and I relish the opportunity of playing with some of the best players in the world and continuing my development."

Rodwell has been earmarked as a player of promise for some time.

Unfortunately his career has stalled due to a succession of injuries that have hampered his progress and meant he goes into this week's game with just two international caps to his name.

However, he has played a full part in Everton's pre-season programme after being forced to miss the Olympics.

Rodwell will wear the number 17 shirt vacated by Jerome Boateng when he joined Bayern Munich last year.

Not that Rodwell will be getting carried away by the words of Mancini, who has warned his newest recruit not to expect too much too soon.

"He is a good player," said Mancini.

"He is young and this is the first time he is at a club that plays to win. It will be different for him.

"But in a couple of years I am sure he will be a top and stronger midfielder."

Rodwell's arrival comes just 48 hours after Mancini vented his frustration at sporting director Brian Marwood over the lack of new arrivals this summer.

"I said I was unhappy (on Friday)," he said.

"It is normal. Every manager is unhappy with one week to go and you haven't bought any players.

"I hope we are working and maybe this week or in 10 days we can do something about it."

PA