Everton assistant boss Alan Irvine says the versatility of new signing Phil Jagielka will be critical this season.

"He was unlucky not to get himself a goal on Saturday [against Crystal Palace] and once again he had to play in a number of different positions," said Irvine.

"But we know that he can play in those positions comfortably. He has done a very good job in the past as a central midfielder player, we know he has played really well as a right-back and he can do it as a central defender, too.

"These were the reasons that we signed him. He is a fantastic player, a versatile player and someone who will play a lot of games for Everton in the next few years. He'll play in a lot of different positions and he will play well in them. We are really pleased with him.

"We have had to play with a number of lads out of position at times this summer but Phil has shown his adaptability. Off the pitch, he seems a great lad and has fitted in very easily with the rest of the boys."