Everton skipper Phil Jagielka has predicted a bright future for summer transfer Ramiro Funes Mori at Goodison Park.

The Toffees conceded 17 goals in 10 Premier League games in Jagielka's absence, but he refused to blame Mori who deputised for him during his absence, for the defensive culpabilities of the side.

He said: "Ramiro is no mug - he is an international player who we paid a lot of money for.

"The one thing he doesn't have is experience in the Premier League, but playing more with John, playing more games, you can see he is growing and looking more composed on the ball.

"He is a fantastic competitor and at the moment he has been a good buy. In the future I'm sure we will say he has been a fantastic buy. The only way he will get experience is game time.

"He has played a lot with John at the moment. Whether he plays with me or John over the next few months, he has been picking up the accolades for his performances and they are deserved.

"John is a great lad and he will eventually be a leader. Just because he is 21 it does not mean he can't help someone else out who has not been too long in the country."