Stones: I’d love to captain Everton

John Stones signed his new 5 year contract and declared that he wants Phil Jagielka’s captains armband when the skipper eventually steps aside.

The Barnsley born lad impressed last season and went on to make his England debut following a string of impressive performances for Everton and Stones wants to continue playing and improving.

“I’d love to captain Everton,” declared Stones. “It’s a massive dream of mine and the big name players that have done it in the past, I would love to follow in their footsteps.

“I’d like to think that I have the attributes [to be a captain]. I’d like to think that I can do it in the future and, if that chance came along, I would jump on it straight away.”

He continued: “It’s been massive for my learning curve to play alongside Jags and Sylvain. They are experienced pros and to learn off them day in and day out and in games is helping me as a person.

“They are leaders and hopefully I can keep learning off them to get better as a player.”

Stones added: “To get a first England cap at such a young age was a dream come true and that was only because of the hard work that the staff put in here at Finch Farm. They put the trust in me to play in front of the crowd at Goodison.

“The manager has been a real leader for me and [given me] a sense of direction. He has pointed me in the direction to improve each day.

“It’s one of the big factors why me and Ross [Barkley] are starting games. He puts faith in us and gives us the confidence to go out and express ourselves. He is definitely the right man for us.”

Stones also had a message for the Everton supporters.

“I can’t say it enough – the atmosphere they create at Goodison is unbelievable,” he added. “Everyone in the dressing room would say the same.

“Coming out to Z-Cars and the roar of the fans is something you could never forget.”

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