Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has admitted to being "surprised" by the breakdown in his relationship with the club's supporters this season.

The 28-year-old was accused by interim boss David Unsworth of lacking effort in training last month during a difficult run for the Toffees.

Schneiderlin was frozen out of the squad and used sparingly under Unsworth, but he has started Everton's last two matches since Sam Allardyce arrived and is now eager to win over the fanbase with some committed displays.

Asked if he wanted to rebuild a positive relationship, the Frenchman told reporters: "Yeah, I'm trying to do that. It was a thing coming out from nothing. I was surprised that this story came out because I didn't really do anything.

"It was the choice of the manager not to put me in the squad, it was not because I behaved bad or something. It was just a choice for [Unsworth]. For myself I was surprised but there will always be some people who are going to believe what they read in the press.

"My only thing is to show them on the pitch that I'm 100% focused. I can assure everyone that I am focused, that I'm just thinking about Everton and to improve the results and myself everyday."

Schneiderlin joined Everton from Manchester United in a £20m deal at the start of the year.