Phil Jagielka says being rejected by Everton as a teenager was the making of him.
Everton let Jagielka go when he was 15 only to return to the club from Sheffield United last summer for £4million - but he is glad he got the chance to learn the game the hard way.
"People who were seen to be better than me at the time are playing in lower leagues - or not in the game at all.
"So it's fantastic I went to Sheffield and got my chance.
"When I went there on trial I soon realised it was a little bit harder. There were no shin-pads and people were smashing you.
"I was thinking âWhat's going on here?' But it made me mature. I left school, left home, went to live in Sheffield and grew up.
"I think the fact I made it the hard way shows. And, after a sticky start, I couldn't have asked for a better first season with Everton.
"I've had a nice run in the side and feel settled. That is helping me play my best football."
