Seamus Coleman says he is happy to face criticism at Everton if it means it protects young or new players.
On Saturday, the 33-year-old will begin his 14th season with the club and will have played in 397 matches, but his and the team's performances have enraged some supporters.
Coleman has been rushed into duty while not entirely fit or in need of a rest due to the club's failure to address the need for backup at right-back and his effectiveness has suffered as a result.
“There were a few occasions in the past when my form was under scrutiny,” said Coleman in an interview with Everton’s matchday programme for this weekend’s scheduled visit of Brighton.
“I am captain of the club and a familiar face. I would rather it be me than someone coming through, or a player who has just signed for the club.
“I can take it on the chin and understand you have to accept the good and bad together.
“You can’t just read about the good times. You have to take the stick when it comes.
“When you go to the training ground, you do your work and put in your effort. The noise outside of that, in the best possible way, doesn’t affect me.
“I know what I am doing to try to have a positive impact on the team every day.
“I might not be the playing presence I was at 23 or 24, but as a captain and in training every day, I am giving my all, approaching it as if I was a 22-year-old.”
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