Everton captain Phil Jagielka concedes it's been difficult being stuck on the bench this season.

While Ashley Williams and Michael Keane have both started all eight of Everton's fixtures so far this season, Jagielka has only played in half of those games.

Asked how he copes in such a situation, Jagielka told the Liverpool Echo: “I just try and be myself. It's not nice not to play as throughout my career I've played most games.

“When you've got your close friends around you who have been here a long time and the coaching staff it makes life a bit easier but when it comes to match day you still want to play.

“There's not a single little bit of me that is glad when I'm not playing but I understand with my age, getting more people in and it being a squad game your role has to change slightly.

“I'm still trying to keep myself as fit as possible and give the manager as much of a headache as I can for every game.

“Playing every game is not guaranteed so it's up to me to do the best I can and see where it takes me."