Leighton Baines: Phil Jagielka "ready" for Everton captaincy

Everton left-back Leighton Baines believes that teammate Phil Jagielka is "ready" to take the captain's armband following Phil Neville's departure.

The England centre-back deputised for Neville last season and now Baines feels that the 30-year-old can step into the role on a full-time basis.

Baines told the club's official website: "He is ready now to step into that role. He is ready for that.

"It is a loss to lose Phil [Neville], but it has worked well because Jags has been doing it for a little bit and has had a chance to bed into that role and now he is going to assume the responsibility full time.

"He is one of the more dominant characters in the squad. He is very experienced now and someone that everybody can look to."

Jagielka has been with Everton since 2007 after joining from Sheffield United.