Everton youngster Luke Garbutt is pleased with his progress in the U21s.

After making his first-team debut in August's Capital One Cup victory over Leyton Orient, hamstring and ankle trouble put the 19-year-old out of action until the New Year.

"It's been steady since I came back and I still think there's more improvement to come from myself," Garbutt told evertonfc.com. "I haven't really had back-to-back injuries before but, coming back, I'm getting the games, feeling stronger and getting more match fit.

"I think I improved with the Chelsea game on Monday especially. I just need to play more games, find some form and you never know what can happen between now and the end of the season.

"I've had a few shouts at going out on loan, but my coaches didn't want me to due to my injuries. I've just got to keep working hard in training with Taff [Andy Holden], Stubbsy and David Weir to build my game and we'll see from there."