Everton defender Phil Jagielka has given his backing to the young players coming through at the club.
Boss David Moyes has blooded a number of academy graduates during the Blues pre-season campaign, including Dan Gosling, Jack Rodwell and Jose Baxter.
"They're training with us a lot more and it is hard work for them," Jagielka told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"I'm sure they're enjoying it and they want to stay part of this first-team squad for as long as possible."
Jagielka was on the scoresheet as Everton recorded their first win in pre-season, a 1-0 victory at Preston North End on Tuesday night.
Mikel Arteta continued his rehabilitation from abdominal surgery, coming from the bench to play a part at Deepdale.
"Some quality has come back and slowly but surely some people are going to come off the treatment table"
While Jagielka is backing the emerging talent coming through the Blues academy at Finch Farm, he admitted he is pleased to see the club's African contingent return from international duty.
"The boys from Africa are back and we can have a little laugh at them now as they're having to do the majority of running that we've already done," he said.
"Some quality has come back and slowly but surely some people are going to come off the treatment table.
"As much as the squad looks light at the moment in a couple of weeks, four, five or six more players will be able to play in the games and we'll be looking much healthier."
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~13~RS~)