Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says an extended spell away on-loan as a young player was the making of him.

He started his journey with Sunderland's academy, then their reserves before moving in to the senior side in addition to loan spells at six clubs – Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End.

"With all those loans, it was all leading to be the best I can be as a player," Pickford told the Daily Star.

“I had faith in myself and the belief and faith of my coaches who sent me out on loan.

“If you are a young lad going to senior clubs, you have got to take that chance and I always grasped it

with two hands. I just love playing football and that helps.

“Now I'm at Everton and the top six is where we want to be as a club. None of us want to lose games and it hurts. But we can't dwell on it.

“We've got big characters – and hopefully I'm one of them – to help the other lads as well. I'm reminded of the size of the transfer but I don't think it has affected me.

“Hopefully it makes me better because I've got to prove to people how good I am."