Ronald Koeman says Everton's Phil Jagielka 'has shown great character'

Ronald Koeman has praised Phil Jagielka after the defender recently returned to Everton's starting line-up following a number of matches sitting on the bench.

The veteran notched his first Toffees goal in 29 months on Tuesday, when the Merseysiders drew 1-1 with Manchester United.

Everton's skipper had spent nine successive games starting among the substitutes before returning to the first XI for the most recent four matches, and Koeman has been impressed by the player's attitude.

The Dutchman said: "I'm really pleased because Phil has had a difficult time.

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"He had a difficult time when he was not playing because it's a different role. I've asked him still to be captain of the team and I think he changed his mentality in that.

"Of course he's normally still disappointed if he's not starting. He's showing at the moment that he's still a really strong, good defender for the team."

Koeman remains frustrated by United's last-gasp equaliser during the week, when Zlaten Ibrahimovic's 94th minute penalty salvaged a point.

He added: "We had five, six big, big counter-attacking movements and we did wrong.

"We did not even create a shot, a chance and in my opinion that was the key to why we did not win the game.

"There was a lot of space and the offensive side in the team was not what I expected."

Everton welcome Leicester City to Goodison Park on Sunday for the Sky Live fixture that kicks off at 4pm.

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