Everton No2 Steve Round believes Stephen Pienaar could emerge as a world star at next month's World Cup.

The South Africa international will be the host nation's big hope.

Round told evertonfc.com: "Steven has been terrific for us this year and I would say that he's been one of the best players in the Premier League over the course of the season.

"They are the home nation but they haven't got massive expectation. They've got a better chance than some and I think they are a better team than people give them credit for and Steven can bring any game to life and change its direction. If they get a good start and get the home support behind them…who knows what they can achieve.

"It is the first World Cup in Africa and I would not be surprised if we see one of the African nations come to the fore," Round adds. "It's in their continent and they are used to the lifestyle and the preparation so this is their best opportunity."