Former Everton defender Kevin Kilbane has welcomed the inclusion of John Stones ahead of the visit of Liverpool.

The Blues host their Merseyside rivals in the 224th meeting between the pair, and Kilbane is delighted to see Stones part of a defence that he feels struggles when the youngster is absent.

He told BBC Sport: "John Stones reads the game so well. When Everton don't have him in their defence they look so much poorer, a little disjointed.

"Sylvain Distin hasn't been in good form and Phil Jagielka has looked off, as has Antolin Alcaraz. Defensively Everton have been found wanting, and they need a settled back four."

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