Everton's transfer deadline day recruit John Stones is relishing the prospect of enhancing his game by working alongside some of the star names at the club.
The 18-year-old right-back completed his move from npower Championship side Barnsley on a five-and-a-half year contract shortly before the transfer window closed at 11pm last night, and he cannot wait to get started with the Toffees.
"There are a few nerves because it's a new challenge for me," Stones told evertontv.
"Every player wants to play in the Premier League and I've left an amazing club which is very close to my heart and left some very good people back there who I can't thank enough.
"But I've joined an amazing club, I'm here at Everton now and I'm looking forward to every minute of it.
"I'm a hard working player and I'll give everything for the team, which every other player here does.
"I like to get forward a lot but I'm a defender and that's my job, defending."
The England Under-19 international added: "I've been impressed with Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin - these are consistent players, very highly rated players, international players who I've got the luck to work with now.
"Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman, I could go on all day. I'm looking forward to learning from these players.
"The experience they've got is priceless and to train with them and learn from them will benefit me, no doubt.
"I've been very impressed with everything I have seen at Finch Farm already. Now the hard work begins."
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies