Ross Barkley has insisted that the competition he faces to keep hold of his spot in Everton's starting lineup will only inspire him to "work harder".

The 20-year-old midfielder was warned by teammate Phil Jagielka earlier this week that he will face extra attention after becoming a Premier League regular.

However, Barkley believes that he can deal with the additional pressure as he continues his recovery from a knee injury which saw him miss the first two months of the campaign.

"It is hard when teams target me but I know I have a lot to learn," the England international is quoted as saying by ESPN. "The more I play, the more I learn how to deal with things like that.

"It's just about growing up and knowing that teams are going to put pressure on me. It is flattering in a way if teams have to put two men on me.

"I have got a job on my hands but it's great to have competition in the squad. It's competition for me but that's only going to push me to work harder to get in the team."

Everton are currently ninth in the Premier League table following Saturday's goalless draw against Swansea City.