Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia insists he is just as good as current starter Jordan Pickford.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Sporting CP.

"I've been working my b*llocks off," Virginia told Goal. "I only had a week off after the season, then I was back to it. I'm looking forward to it."

He knows, deep down, that it is unlikely that he will dislodge Jordan Pickford as No.1 at Goodison Park, and that the likeliest scenario will see him leave in this window - either permanently or on loan.

"Things will be resolved in pre-season," he says. "Everton is like a family to me, so whatever they want me to do, I will do.

"Whatever happens I will be there fighting to be that No.1. I know that I am ready to play games and I think I have shown that, especially in the last two years."

On the challenge of competing with Pickford - England's No.1, no less - he adds: "I have to believe in my own ability first and foremost, and I do.

"I see it every day in training, I feel I am at the same level and I don't see any reason to believe otherwise. I work hard, I dedicate myself and I know I'm more than capable of doing it."