Everton veteran Phil Jagielka is encouraging defensive partner Michael Keane to become more communicative on the pitch.

The 24-year-old has endured an inconsistent debut campaign at Goodison Park since arriving from Burnley in the summer.

And Jagielka believes using his voice more will help Keane gain more confidence.

"I have always tried to talk as much as I can," said Jagielka. "We have had a load of talented lads over the past couple of years but some have been quite quiet.

"I do not think they realise how much talking or passing on of information can help them and their teammates.

"With Michael [Keane], he is quite a quiet lad and I have openly said, 'Shout at me, shout at someone else, no-one is taking anything personally, we need to know where everyone is', and I think that is something he has in him.

"At the start of his career here we had a few difficult periods so it was probably natural go into your shell a little bit.

"But I am encouraging him to be himself and be a boss at the back – whether you are a loud person on or off the pitch, when you are on the pitch you need to pass on information.

"It is getting that way and we have had some lively discussions on the pitch which is brilliant. That is testament to him. It is how it used to be with Tim Howard and now with Seamus Coleman.

"It is healthy. It is a case of you wanting to find a solution as soon as possible."