Everton assistant boss Steve Round says fullback Leighton Baines deserves his England call-up.

Round told evertonTV: "It's not a surprise at all really and I'm delighted for him. He deserves it, he's been fantastic these last 12 to 15 games, his play has been superb and he's deservedly got a call up. It's the recognition for the performances and he's there on merit, simple as that."

The call-up marked a significant change in fortunes for Baines, who spent the early part of the season fighting for a first-team place at Everton.

"That form has always been there - that's why the manager signed him in the first place," said Round. "He was a young player when Everton signed him (in the summer of 2007) and sometimes it just takes a little bit of time for it to develop and for the player to mature and get the opportunity to go on that run.

"Leighton has taken that with both hands this season - and he's not looked back."