Leighton Baines suggests Everton’s Cuco Martina is set for spell on the sidelines

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Leighton Baines believes Sam Allardyce wants to add greater balance to Everton’s starting line-up.

Leighton Baines has suggested on Everton’s official website that Cuco Martina is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Martina has played at left-back for Everton for much of the season so far, but it has been clear that he has been out of position.

The former Southampton man has struggled badly, with his performances drawing a great deal of criticism.

Baines has now returned from injury, and Sam Allardyce brought him straight back into Everton’s team last weekend.

The Toffees picked up a 2-1 victory over Stoke City, with Baines impressing.

And Baines has now hinted that Allardyce has told him he will be Everton’s first choice left-back, as he is more natural in that position.

“I played right-back once and I know how tough it is,” Baines admitted. “People might think it is the same position but it isn’t. Your bearings are different. And I think he played really well in a lot of the games.

“Unfortunately for him, I think, for the balance of the team the manager wants a left-footer back in that position and that’s enabled me to come back in.

“But he deserves great credit for the work he’s done over the last few months.”

If Baines is given a run of games, Everton will be hoping that the veteran full-back can stay fit.

Baines has struggled with persistent injury problems this term, and he has been missed badly.

Martina could now compete for the right-back berth, but Everton’s options there are strong, with Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny battling for that spot.