Everton defender Phil Jagielka has expressed his belief that teammate Ross Barkley will keep getting better as a player.

The 20-year-old, who recently returned from an injury spell, was stifled by Swansea City in midfield during Saturday's goalless draw at Goodison Park.

However, Jagielka believes that Barkley's attitude during the frustrating contest proves his quality as a footballer.

"He's probably finished growing now as an athlete but he will continue to grow as a footballer," the Irish Examiner quotes Jagielka as saying.

"Nothing gets him down. If you look at [the match], I wouldn't say it was his best game but he kept on going, kept on going, kept on going. A lot of people in that situation can hide and not want the ball but I'd never expect Ross to be one of those players."

The Merseyside outfit are currently ninth in the Premier League table.