Athlete

You don't want to play in your shell.

Day-to-day training with world-class players, there is no better feeling than that.

It's not me feeling pressure, it's just me putting pressure on myself if I don't do my best, and I know I can do better.

I never thought I would not play for my country.

It was a big decision to leave Everton and it took me a lot of time to think over.

I want to be regarded as a world-class midfielder.

I've had to push myself and I've really matured.

We have to improve at club level - and at the international level, there is a lot of room for improvement.

I have turned 25, come into my own and focused on improving at day-to-day level.

On derby day it's not down to form, it's on the day, who's prepared for the game and who wants to battle.

I have got a lot of confidence in my ability now, and I feel like I am going in the right direction and this shows in my performances on the pitch. As a person I feel a lot more confident.

I'm not scared when I'm on the pitch.

I signed as an 11-year-old for Everton. I broke into the Under-18s at the age of 14, then the reserves at 15, then I was in the first-team squad at 16.

Everton means the world to me.

Mum has been the biggest influence on me.

When you have got a new manager you have got to impress and get used to what he wants really quickly.

You have to work hard and your chances will come.

You can take a bit of criticism from your manager now and then, but you have to react to it which I have done.

I want to continue to improve season after season, which I think I've done.

I believe I can hit the 20 goals a season mark.