Everton assistant Graeme Jones admits he has noticed a difference in Ross Barkley this season.

The 21-year-old midfielder has kicked off the new Premier League campaign in fine form with two goals in two outings and Jones has revealed that there are there main factors as to why the talented England international has returned to form so rapidly after a sub-par 2014/15.

"I have noticed a difference (in Ross from last season)," Jones told the Liverpool Echo.

"I have to give the gaffer credit because early on he kept saying 'Ross looks a different animal' but I like to wait and reserve judgement.

"But so far, he has been proved correct.

"There have been three big things.

"One, he has had a break mentally he could switch off and whatever job you do you need to be refreshed.

"Secondly, he has had a full pre-season. If you remember last year he damaged his ankle after not a lot of training and it took him a long time to get fit again.

"And thirdly, we spoke a lot about his footwear.

"His standing foot would slip a lot and shooting is one of his assets.

"He has adjusted his footwear and he has more confidence in his standing foot."