Joleon Lescott is excited about Everton's return to the USA.

The England defender told evertonfc.com: "The game is getting much bigger over there, and so it's a great for the Premier League and football alone. But we're going over there to get fit and it's the best place to do it.

"Nowadays the standard is a lot better. It's not like it used to be when you used to go over there and you didn't know what you were going to get."

Last summer, Everton played MLS side Real Salt Lake and were beaten 2-0.

"Last year we played a team that I think that were bottom of the league and they beat us 2-0," recalled Lescott, "So there are no easy games out there. Especially because they are in mid-season when we play them."

The former Wolves man admits that some of the characters in the dressing room have departed Everton - and is keen on stepping into the type of role that the likes of Lee Carsley and Alan Stubbs used to occupy.

"Obviously being away from each other for the last two months and then going away together - it's good for team bonding," acknowledged the England international.

"I don't know if I can be as vocal as those boys, but I will certainly try. The boys that have left will be missed, but more importantly for us now is that we need to build on our squad and get players in to replace the ones that have left.

"Team spirit is important, but I think that people would sacrifice a bit of that for some on-field success. We know what we need to do, we've still got Ossie here and he's a character, so I'm sure he'll keep everyone in tune!"