Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is convinced his game improved during his loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

In that time, Barkley made 12 starts and one substitute appearance for the Championship outfit, netting four goals.

I enjoyed it," the teenager 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 we 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."