Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has said he has let Jack Rodwell 'feel like a footballer again' after the midfielder arrived at the club this summer, report the Lancashire Telegraph. 

Rodwell was one of English football's most highly rated talents when he was rising through the ranks at Everton and signed for Manchester City in 2012 for £13.5million after making 109 appearances for the Toffees' first team.

But after a difficult four years with Sunderland where he made just 76 appearances for the club and his relationship with the club and its fans began to sour he was released this summer and was snapped up by Mowbray.

“He’s been with the sports science department on the days the players have been off doing some running,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph in reference to Rodwell's regime.

“We’ve let him feel like a footballer at this club, get to know the players, join in and enjoy his training and relax into the club."

Mowbray also heaped praise on the early signs of ability that the 27-year-old has shown in his first few weeks with the club.

“In training, I don’t really know what foot he kicks with because he has amazing composure on both feet, pinging it 30 yards one way and then 40 yards the other direction. I don’t think anyone should question his talent, he’s played for England and Man City, and we’re finding out about his spirit and his character.”

It is possible that Rodwell could make his first appearance for Rovers during the Lancashire Cup game against Preston North End at the club's training ground on Tuesday night.

The verdict 

It would be great to see Rodwell get back to his best after a six-year downward spiral since joining Manchester City because it has always been obvious the talent he has.

If anyone will be able to do that it is someone like Tony Mowbray so I am inclined to believe what the manager says here and look forward to seeing how the midfielder does.