New Everton boss Roberto Martinez admits he'll focus heavily on the club's academy.

Martinez praised the work done by Academy boss Alan Irvine and says it is imperative that Everton continue to tap into the wealth of talent on Merseyside.

"It becomes the biggest strength of the future for any football club," Martinez said of a successful youth set-up.

"You rely on your home-grown talent and the biggest example around right now is Barcelona. I do feel that the talent we have got at this football club is phenomenal and we need to make sure we help that talent develop and to reach the levels the modern game needs.

"That is something we are going to be putting a lot of attention, effort, time and finances in to."

He added: "I will be working very closely with the Academy. It is important.

"Alan Irvine has got a tremendous part in that. What he has done so far has been really impressive and we need to work together as a football club. We need to put a lot of focus on trying to give youngsters opportunities.

"I still believe the British development of youngsters is not ideal but I know the Premier League and the FA are working closely to try and come up with a perfect situation. At Everton we are going to help as much as we can.

"The development of players after the age of 18 is crucial and I don't think we are as good as we could be in the British game."