Everton U21 coach Alan Stubbs says new signing Thomas Hitzlsperger is building his match fitness.

The former Aston Villa ace is on the brink of a first team call.

"The more games the better and the more days he's training, the better," explained Stubbs to evertontv.

"He's a great pro, he looks after himself, has a fantastic attitude, does things right and he's a great example for some of the younger players to look at and learn off when he's playing in the team.

"He probably passes on quite a lot of experience without really knowing it. It's good from my point of view, he's a big plus when he plays for us and anyone who plays alongside him should feel exactly the same.

"Hopefully he can keep playing well, training well and force his way into the first team."