Everton boss Ronald Koeman has urged Ross Barkley to prove himself on the training ground and 'bring more productivity' if he is to earn a place in the starting lineup.
The England international was an unused sub during the Toffees' 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, having regularly been criticised by his manager this term.
Koeman denied that he has an issue with Barkley's attitude, but says that the midfielder's attacking game must improve if he is to be considered for selection for Saturday lunchtime's trip to face Watford at Vicarage Road.
"Sometimes it can be a tactical reason, sometimes I expect more from Ross Barkley," he told reporters. "But I expect more from other players offensively. He needs to accept it. The reaction he needs to show on the training pitch.
"That's the best way. He is always trying to show his best, but it is not always about the mentality of the player - it is about tactics, his movement, his productivity and those can all be reasons he did not start last week.
"He's part of the team. He played a lot. He did not play last weekend. If you like to play you need to show that to the manager during the whole week. He is trying to do that, but he is one of the players that needs to show more productivity."
Barkley has featured in 12 of Everton's 14 Premier League games this season, playing a part in three goals during that time.
Daniel Lewis
