John Stones' success at Everton isn't a surprise to his former club Barnsley.

The defender hasn't looked back since breaking into Roberto Martinez's first team this season.

Barnsley youth chief Mark Burton told the Sunday Mirror: "John is a nailed-on England player.

"He has the stature and the ability of a centre-half, but he has played at right-back and he could even move into central midfield.

"He sees when to play.

"He can defend and he can also put his foot in, he is not just a pretty defender.

"He came through all the way with us from eight up until he made the first team.

"He wasn't rushed, we let him develop.

"We have a good playing style and we try to get our defenders to step into midfield.

"Gone are the days when you can just head and kick it.

"If you look around there are people like Gerard Pique and Rio Ferdinand in his heyday who were like that."