Everton defender Phil Jagielka has only recently won his place back in the team at Goodison Park.
Phil Jagielka has admitted to the Liverpool Echo that he has found things difficult at Everton recently, when he wasn’t in the team.
Jagielka lost his place in Everton’s starting line-up over the early part of 2017, and was frequently forced to watch on from the sidelines.
Both Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori appeared to be ahead of Jagielka in the pecking order, but an injury to the Argentine centre-back provided the 34-year-old with a chance to win his place back.
Since stepping into Everton’s team again, Jagielka has proven his worth with a series of excellent displays.
The England international has now played in Everton’s last nine matches, and he admits it’s a relief to be back in Ronald Koeman’s plans.
“It was hard not to play, I’ve got my own standards and my own belief and it was difficult not to play,” Jagielka said.
“As it ended up there was no-one left!
“It’s nice to end up playing and helped me getting a little bit of confidence back, with the way the games have gone and feeling a bit more part of the team.”
There have been suggestions that Jagielka’s future at Everton could come into doubt over the summer, with the Toffees planning to make additions at the back.
Everton are expected to bring in at least one new defender over the summer, with a number of targets already linked.
Sheffield United and Sunderland have both been suggested as possible locations for Jagielka, should he leave Everton this summer (HITC).
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