Everton manager Roberto Martinez has lauded Romelu Lukaku as "a very mature footballer" after the Belgian netted a brace in the Toffees' 4-3 loss to Stoke City on Monday.

The 22-year-old forward took his return to 15 goals in 19 appearances this season, equalling the most goals he has scored in an Everton shirt in a single season.

Although Martinez was left 'sickened' by the result, which was decided by a controversial stoppage-time penalty, he reserved praise for the individual contribution of his side's top scorer.

"I think he's turning into a very mature footballer," Martinez told Sky Sports News. "To be able to play two games within the space of three days with the personality and the performance that he's given is quite remarkable and it shows the maturity that he has.

"He's a still very young man but he plays like a mature player. At that point you know you've got a very consistent striker."

At the midpoint of the campaign, Everton find themselves 11th in the table, nine points off the top four.