David Moyes offers Jack Rodwell encouragement

Everton manager David Moyes has offered some encouraging words to Jack Rodwell ahead of the Barclays Premier League match against Arsenal tonight.

The midfielder hopes to retain his place in the side following the draw with Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Rodwell wants more of the same and admits he is a bit frustrated at his lack of game time.

Moyes has told the player keep his chin up.

He said: "Jack's got real competition with Fellaini, Arteta and sometimes Leon Osman in there. We've got Tim Cahill to come back as well.

"To get in our side is difficult, especially in midfield. Jack has come in and performed well.

"He is progressing really well for a young lad and and has a big future in the game."

Rodwell wants another chance against Arsenal and believes they can take heart from the Chelsea match.

He said: "I am not playing enough matches for my liking but it is a squad game and other players are playing really well. If I am not in the team I am supportive of the lads.

"It was a good performance against Chelsea. I thought we outplayed them and we will take that into Tuesday and hopefully get a win.

"It is away from home so we will have a different gameplan but we will stick to that and hopefully get a good result.

"We want to get as high up the league as possible and stay in the cup. That'd make a good season for us."

Cahill might fancy facing Arsenal but Moyes intends to give his goalscoring midfielder a few days off after he played for Australia in the Asian Cup.

Moyes said: "We are delighted to have Tim back. We have missed him not just because of his goals but what he brings to the team."

Asked if he felt it was a two-horse race beween Manchester United and Arsenal for the title, Moyes said: "I think there will lots of twists and turns. The situation could quite easily change again.

"Chelsea will be close while Manchester City and Tottenham are having a good go and hanging on to their coat tails.

"Arsenal are looking a bit more clinical. They have added one or two players and have Van Persie back from injury."

Moyes will monitor the fitness of defender Tony Hibbert (virus) and striker Victor Anichebe (groin injury) ahead of the match.