Steven Naismith says Everton players are now playing for their futures.

Everton finished fifth last term with a record points tally, but have struggled badly this time around and sit just six points clear of the bottom three.

"Without a doubt," Naismith told the Liverpool Echo, when asked if the Everton squad were playing for their futures.

"If you are not performing then you are not going to be here very long.

"This club is ambitious and wants to go forward and I'm sure the manager will look for a replacement to do the job he wants done if you're not doing it.

"I'd say the biggest motivation though is personal pride.

"You don't want to be in a team that is struggling to perform every week.

"Players here have been successful and they have known difficult times as well and you want to be performing well for yourself, not just hoping it happens."