Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that he would have no hesitations starting Gerard Deulofeu in the Merseyside derby.

The Blues entertain local rivals Liverpool on November 23 after the international break, and the Spanish boss has admitted that the on-loan Barcelona youngster could play a part.

"I would have no concerns about putting him in against Liverpool, no," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo.

"When you are able to play against [Tottenham Hotspur's] Jan Vertonghen, and to cope with that, then it shows you he is ready for anything.

"[Having said that], I can't really look forward [to the derby]) yet, because we are losing 12 players with the Under-21s and the senior players [on international duty]."

Everton have drawn their last two games 0-0, against Spurs and Crystal Palace.