Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite admits that he thoroughly enjoyed his loan spell last season.

The centre back played under former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy at the Dutch giants.

Branthwaite became a regular and was even touted as a possible permanent PSV signing, but Everton insisted on bringing him back.

Asked about his loan spell at the Philips Stadion, Branthwaite said: "It was the best thing I could've done.

“It was the best move I've made, when you're young you've just got to play games, at any level. Going over there was a big platform, a big stage, playing in Europe and things - and getting that solid game time continuously really helped me.

"After I spoke to my family and my agent, I said yes straight away because of the opportunity, what I could achieve over there and playing the games I did. I've grown as a person, more confident on and off the field.

"Moving to a different country, living on your own, you've got to learn new things and adapt to things, a new culture, a new language. It was a difficult start when I went over there, but it stood me in good stead to come back as a better person and player than I was when I left."