Everton captain Phil Jagielka has welcomed the return to full fitness of John Stones.

He says the longer they play alongside each other, the stronger they will become as a duo.

"It is just getting game time together," Jagielka told the Liverpool Echo. "People ask how we can get better as a partnership, well it's just about playing games together.

"Even losing - and these experiences aren't nice - but what they do is build partnerships and partnerships on the pitch.

"Me and Stonesy are getting a few games together now and he's got a long future ahead of him so if I can hang on with him it will be ok."