Everton boss Roberto Martinez has defended the scratchy form of John Stones.

The defender has found himself benched at times in recent weeks.

Martinez told the Daily Mail: "John has had an incredible journey already. When I arrived here, he was fourth-choice right-back. That is where he was seen as a young player.

"I had tried to sign him for Wigan when he was at Barnsley. We always saw him as a centre half and you see where he is now, having played almost 80 games in the Premier League. He is only 21. The experience he has had this season is going to make him the player he can be.

"He has had too much scrutiny. I don't think someone at 21 should be scrutinised in every action that he does, for good and bad.

"Maybe we do it with certain English players? Maybe we do it in certain moments. But we have got players now who are under immense scrutiny. They deserve a bit of space and they should be left alone a little bit until they make 150, 200 games. Then you can have a stronger judgement. When a young player is developing, it is very much highlighting the potential that he has rather than looking at what he is doing in every action."