Former England coach Glenn Hoddle feels Everton star Ross Barkley can prove his value in the coming months.

Hoddle wrote for the Mail on Sunday: "A lot has been said about the 21-year-old. Anyone can see that he might be a little special. And in many ways, this season is set up for him to show us what he can do. Everton take on West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on Monday and I'll be interested to see whether Roberto Martinez will keep him in the No 10 role.

"He's had a run in that position this season for Everton, either behind Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone or behind a lone striker in Lukaku.

"And the fact that his manager has put his faith in him is probably why we're seeing better performances and more goals. Last year was very inconsistent, with just the two goals, but he never seemed trusted in the playmaker role. Now he is and you're seeing greater signs of maturity."