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Ross returns a 'better player'

Ross Barkley believes that he has benefited enormously from his spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and returns to Everton a better player for the experience.

Still only 18, the midfielder is regarded as the brightest prospect among the Blues' recent Academy graduates but, having seen Jose Baxter fail to make the Premier League grade at the first try and Jack Rodwell's career stall after such a promising start, David Moyes is keen to bring Barkley along cautiously.

After making a promising debut at the beginning of last season, Barkley saw his first-team opportunities evaporate thanks initially to Moyes's belief that the first team was too much, too soon for the then 17 year-old but primarily to injury.

Now back to full fitness and with the experience of playing for England U19s in the European Championships in Estonia over the summer, Ross has just spent two-and-a-half months on loan at Hillsborough, making 13 appearances for the Championship side, and scoring four goals..

"I enjoyed it," the Barkley told evertontv. "I was there for two months and it was valuable experience, which I needed because playing in the Under-21s, it's good, but you need to be playing competitive football for points.

"It helped. By going away I feel like I've turned into a better player. I've learned quite a lot in a short space of time.

"The players talk more because they're fighting for points and [Wednesday] were low in the league and trying to get up. Also with the Under-21s, it's not really as physical as it is in the Championship, and it's much better playing in front of crowds too."

Ross was also heartened by the fact that Moyes made a point of watching him play in Sheffield while he was on loan.

"It was nice to know he was watching. It shows he wants to know how I'm getting on, how I'm progressing and how I'm learning.

"Now I just want to make an impression. I believe I'm better prepared now, more consistent.

"The manager's just said to do what I'm doing in training, do what I'm doing in matches and be ready to take my chance."

Barkley was recalled from his month-to-month loan at Wednesday by Everton following injuries to Kevin Mirallas and Phil Neville, not to mention the slow recovery of Darron Gibson from a troublesome thigh problem.

Gibson hopes to be in contention for his first start since 1st September when the Blues face Norwich City this weekend after coming through 63 minutes for Everton's U21s earlier this week.

Quotes or other material sourced from Sky Sports

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