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Stubbs works on Barkley's all-round game

With David Moyes hinting that Ross Barkley may come back into first-team contention before the end of the season, Reserve Team Coach, Alan Stubbs, says he is working on developing the defensive side of the midfielder's game.

The 18 year-old was sent to the Dallas Cup with the U-20s in a bid to up his fitness levels but could now return to action for the Reserves tomorrow against Bolton.

"I think we're all excited about Ross' ability but he needs to keep improving," Stubbs told evertonfc.com. "Both mentally and in terms of his game management - when to try things, what areas to try them in and so on.

"In the final third, as far as I'm concerned, he can do what he wants because that could be the difference in us winning games and I feel we must allow him to do that. In the middle third the risks are greater and he has to have a responsibility then for the team.

"We're working on those areas of his game, which will definitely help him.

"From an attacking point of view, we've got no problems whatsoever. We're just trying to work a little bit now on when he hasn't got the ball, which will be the difference between him being a top player and an okay player."

Quotes or other material sourced from Everton FC

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