Gareth Barry praises Everton youth

Gareth Barry has praised the displays of Everton's youngsters following their Europa League defeat against FC Krasnodar.

The Toffees had already secured a first-place finish in their group and opted to rest a number of their more experienced players.

"We always knew we had won the group so it was a chance to try a few young players," BBC Sport quotes Barry as saying. "The group has come in today and done a great job. We wanted to win but there were plenty of positives.

"It is never easy when one youngster comes in on their own with lots of experienced players around them. So when three, four or five are playing together, it is always a bit more difficult. At half-time, the manager said 'impress yourself a bit more'.

"I thought we took the game to Krasnodar in the second half and thought we were unlucky not to get the goal."

Everton are back in Premier League action next Monday, when they host Queens Park Rangers.