Everton defender Michael Keane admits he felt at rock bottom last season during his form slump.

But Keane insists the whole experience has made him stronger, which has helped him win back his place in the England squad.

He said: “There were a few months when things were going really badly and I did not really want to go and do things out of the house. It is really sad when managers get sacked and they talk to you for the last time and see how visibly upset they are.

“That gets to you and makes you feel guilty and want to make sure it does not happen again. We had three managers in the end and it was difficult, all the change constantly happening.

“Yes, he (chairman Bill Kenwright) called me two or three times at the low points when people were saying what they were saying about me because I wasn't playing well and the team wasn't playing well.

“But Bill told me how much he believed me and to keep working hard and that he had faith that I could become one of the greats from the club.

“So to have that support from the chairman when things weren't going so well - for him to have so much faith in me and I wasn't giving it back to him - I can't thank him enough for that."