Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is backing Idrissa Gana for a big World Cup with Senegal.

Schneiderlin and Gueye have formed a close bond both on and off the pitch according to the Frenchman, who says it is “a pleasure" to play alongside the ball-winning midfielder.

“He has a lot of caps for his country and everyone loves him back in Senegal," the Frenchman told Everton's club website.

“He offers them exactly the same that he offers Everton – quality in midfield and that will to win the ball back. Hopefully he will go far as possible at the World Cup and I wish him the best.

“We are close and that helps on the pitch. With other players you can say things to them but when you are close friends you can be that little bit firmer because we have that relationship.

“So it is very important that we are close. But Gana is a great guy on and off the pitch. I knew him from playing in France and he has made amazing progress."