Forgotten former Premier League star Jack Rodwell takes on Barcelona in A-League all-star XI side

JACK RODWELL played against Barcelona in an A-League all-star XI side on Wednesday.

The Manchester City and Sunderland flop now turns out for Western Sydney Wanderers and the midfielder was appointed captain against the Spanish giants.

There were a number of ex-EFL stars on show, including former Chesterfield star Jay O'Shea who partnered Rodwell in the middle of the park.

Former Watford defender Adrian Mariappa also started as well as ex-Shrewsbury striker Jason Cummings.

Despite the gulf in quality the A-League XI ran Barcelona close, even though Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring to give his side a 1-0 lead at half-time.

But the Australian side hit back after the break with two quick-fire goals from Reno Piscopo and their very own Adama Traore - the 32-year-old Ivorian left-back who plays for Western Sydney Wanderers.

His namesake Adama Traore - who is not thought to be any relation - then bizarrely equalised in what will be his final appearance for the club before his loan spell from Wolves comes to an end.

Whizkid Ansu Fati scored again five minutes later to win the game for Barcelona and ensure they finished the season on a high.

For Rodwell it was a chance to test himself against some of the best in the world for the first time since he left the Premier League.

He came up against Barca wonderkid Gavi in midfield, who has impressed this season.

SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY

Barcelona are determined to tie down Gavi to a long-term contract but the 17-year-old is refusing to sign the offer that has been on the table for some time.

But now the season is over the club will be able to concentrate its efforts on contract and transfer negotiations.

President Joan Laporta is said to be eyeing deals for Robert Lewandowksi and Marcos Alonso, with the latter said to be keen on moving to the Nou Camp.

Barca are also believed to be open to selling Frenkie de Jong this summer amid interest from both Manchester clubs and PSG.

Rodwell himself is unlikely to return to the Prem after moving Down Under in November.

The former England international had barely played for 16 months prior to the move, which was orchestrated by his wife Alana Licate, who hails from Western Sydney.

His fortunes has faded since winning three caps from 2011-13 as an all-round talent who was equally comfortable in central defence.

And his decline was epitomised at Sunderland when he sat on the sidelines on a huge pay-packet rather than move on as they slipped down the divisions.

He flickered back on to the scene with Blackburn before joining Sheffield United during their triumphant Premier League return.

His played his first Prem game in three years when he came on as a sub for the Blades in a 1-1 draw at Burnley on July 5 2020, but was released in 2021 before heading to Oz.

And upon his Wanderers arrival, Rodwell insisted he was "really excited".

He told the club website: "I've been looking at the opportunity to play in Australia for a couple of months and with my wife being from Western Sydney, the Wanderers was the perfect destination."