Everton defender Mason Holgate admits manager Carlo Ancelotti has changed his attitude towards the profession.

Following Ancelotti's arrival he has been ever-present in the side, and Holgate feels he is now better prepared for the ups and downs of life in the Premier League.

“My early years at Everton were hard because I'd come in for a few games, play very well, drop off for a game, then I was out the team," Holgate told Everton's matchday programme.

“I've had to deal with harder things in life than not playing football – but being out the team was the most difficult thing I've experienced in the game.

“I don't hold anyone responsible for it, certainly not the other managers we've had.

“I would go in for a few games, then not play well, so I couldn't expect them to keep playing me.

“It wasn't me blaming anyone. I just found it hard to deal with."

He added: “I am benefiting from the manager [Carlo Ancelotti] giving me an opportunity to show what I can do and I hope the team is, too."