Everton attacker Steven Naismith has called for lower ticket prices at Premier League grounds.

Naismith is aware that much more still needs to be done if the game is going to protect its traditional working-class roots.

"They can't just keep increasing ticket prices because more and more fans just can't afford to go to the games these days," said Naismith.

"Before we know it, clubs will be playing in front of half-empty stadiums, so it is now becoming an issue that has to be addressed.

"Clubs are going to benefit massively from the new TV deal, so surely the game has got to take a step back and realise that football is a working man's sport.

"Everybody, especially in Britain, lives and breathes the game. It's what they talk about down the pub and look forward to.

"I was doing something last month with Barclays and they were talking about their initiative to keep youngsters engaged with football and going to games.

"But that kind of thing is only a small step. I would like to think that when the new TV deal kicks in a lot will start to happen that makes ticket prices more ­realistic for the fans.

"The supporters are the most important people, so we have got to get the right balance.

"We have got to look at different ways of pricing tickets and distributing them."