Jarrad Branthwaite has opened up on what his "main objective" is after committing his long-term future to Everton.
The defender has put pen-to-paper on a new three-and-a-half year contract with the club, keeping him at Goodison Park until June 2025.
The centre-back made his debut for the club last year shortly after his arrival from Carlisle in January 2020 and has gone on to make one further appearance this term in the League Cup.
And the 19-year-old has already got his sights set on more appearances for the Blues, with the help of Rafa Benitez potentially being key in this aim.
Branthwaite told evertontv: “It feels like Everton have full belief in me so I have to show them what I can do.
“I am buzzing to get the deal done and commit my future to the club. The way Everton have treated me and the pathway I can see are why I was eager to stay longer.
“The games I’ve had show there is a place for me in the side.
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“Playing for Everton’s first team is a massive honour. I want more so I have to prove I am good enough to be there and keep progressing.
“My main objective is to play as many games as possible and help the team.
“The manager is very good with me.
“Every day, he is talking to me, helping me with what I need to develop, doing little things after training.
“We are working on my right foot and my passing and the agility side, moving my feet quicker, so I can defend better in one-on-one situations.
“He has been brilliant.”
Branthwaite spent the second half of last term on loan with Blackburn Rovers.
The defender began his time in the Championship well, but his temporary spell with the Lancashire club was eventually cut short through injury.
However, the centre-back believes he has learned a lot from his time away from the Blues, and he is relishing the challenge presented by Everton's competition in his position.
“The loan was challenging but very good for my development,” added Branthwaite.
“I developed my maturity level at Blackburn and enjoyed my time there.
“The injury was very frustrating, I missed the end of the season, then pre-season at Everton when the new manager came, which sets you back a bit.
“But my aim was to get fully fit and show the manager what I could do.
“The centre-backs are challenging each other every day, trying to perform to our best, helping each other out and, for me, trying to get in the team.
“My first day training with the first team was a massive jump and training with good players every day and learning new things has been brilliant.
“I have matured a lot in my game and developed new skills.”
