Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says seeing a sports psychologist in recent months has helped improve his form.

Pickford came in for some scrutiny in the opening months of the campaign but, over the last few weeks, has consistently put in strong performances to help an improved back line.

He told evertonfc.com: “We talk about everything. We cover a lot of bases: mentality and how to be better in all aspects.

“He can help me develop my thinking… and learn how to cope with various things and get through sticky patches.

“I want to be the best goalkeeper for me. And when I am on top form it gives the lads the strongest opportunity to win games, which puts smiles on fans' faces.

“It's something mainly for me – but it affects a lot of other things, which help Everton.

“We speak once week, sometimes once a fortnight. He is always a phone call away, or if we need to do some proper work, we meet up.

“One of my friends used him, so I knew he had a good reputation, and I felt it was something I needed for me to improve."

While the England No.1 admits he is in a good place, he wants to keep improving.

“I am in a brilliant place," the 26-year-old remarked.

“I feel I have been in a good period for a while. But you are never the finished article – you can't be happy staying at a certain level. You need to be pushed to be a better keeper and to always demand more from yourself.

“I want to get better and better and consistently perform. It [focus on performances] is part of being England's number one."