Everton management are delighted with the input this season of Leighton Baines.

Baines has been working with the Everton first-team in an analysis capacity.

Baines retired after 13 years and 420 appearances for Everton at the end of the last season but was immediately brought back as professional development coach, a newly-created position which envelops the under-18s, under-23s and young first-teamers.

Everton academy director David Unsworth told evertonfc.com: “I've been very impressed with Leighton.

“He's thrown himself in at the deep end."

he former Everton defender continued: "He's mentoring, delivering one-to-one sessions, he's in the classroom with the players. He's also working on the analysis side with the first-team, ourselves in the Under-23s and the Under-18s. He's everywhere!

“I've been really impressed with the dedication he's shown, the hours he's put in and the way he's delivered to the players.

“He's been a great benefit to us all and he's helping our young players a lot."