Everton defender Phil Jagielka feels for teammate Johnny Heitinga.

The Dutchman was turned over by two-goal Christian Benteke in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa.

Jagielka said: "It's difficult. He got player of the season last year and had a really strong second half of the season - especially with the cup run which meant he rightly got that award.

"But nobody is assured of their place in this team, and coming back to pre-season the manager obviously had ideas who he was and wasn't going to play - and some people have done really well when they've got an opportunity, while some people haven't had the opportunities they would have liked.

"It's just the way football goes."