Everton winger Yannick Bolasie has admitted he is using his African Cup of Nations experience as a preparation for his first full season in two years.
And the 30-year-old still hopes that his pre-season can happen at Everton.
Bolasie was farmed out on loan to Aston Villa and then Anderlecht last season, after missing a huge chunk of his Everton career with an ACL injury.
But after rediscovering some form in Belgium he has been with the DR Congo squad in Africa, starting the 2-0 defeat by Uganda and then coming on as a substitute in The Leopards' defeat by Egypt.
Bolasie said: "Logically, if I really wanted to think [about it], I’d just put my career first and say I’m going back to Everton.
“I feel myself, I’m back sharp, and I’d go and do a full pre-season, which I haven’t had in two years and which makes the difference to anyone’s season.
“For me, it’s not a case of coming here to try and turn myself around.
"I want to play at the Africa Cup of Nations to the best of my ability, but I’m also taking the tournament as preparation for pre-season going into the next season."
Bolasie cost Everton £25million and is on significant wages, with the Blues likely to try and move the player on again this summer.
