Steven Naismith has revealed that he wanted to leave Everton for Norwich City in the summer.

The 28-year-old Scottish forward was the subject of an £8million bid from the Canaries on deadline day and admits he was hoping to land the move after being frustrated under Roberto Martinez.

However, the Toffees rejected the offer for Naismith which proved to be a masterstroke as he netted a perfect hat-trick in Saturday's 3-1 upset victory over reigning champions Chelsea.

"When you are not playing every week it is hard to look past these opportunities (to leave the club)," said the former Rangers star.

"But it was out of my hands because the manager said he didn't want me to leave.

"That was nice in a way but when you're not playing it is hard to take.

"Things can change so quickly in football, though. Hopefully I've shown my worth to the team. At my age, you do wonder how long it is going to be before you are playing regularly again. I was still coming on in games with a good bit of time to play, so that gave me hope that I could still be here at Everton.

"When the manager said it wasn't going to happen, I knew then I had to work hard and be ready for a day like this against Chelsea. The manager said he saw me as a valuable part of the squad and wanted to keep me. Everyone has a role to play."