Sylvain Distin has said that Everton teammate Ross Barkley has a bright future ahead of him for club and country.

The 19-year-old has scored three goals in all competitions for the Toffees so far this season, earning him his first England call-up.

The 35-year-old defender told the team's website: "He was training with us last season, he has great quality and a bright future if he keeps working hard and doing what he's doing.

"[Foreign players coming into the Premier League is] something maybe people talk about because of the results of the English national team. But I don't think that's because of players like me. I don't see how I can change the result of the national team.

"It's about how good you are. Ross is the perfect example. Ross deserves to play."

Everton play newly-promoted Cardiff City tomorrow afternoon.