Everton star Ross Barkley determined to learn lessons after 'tough' season

ROSS BARKLEY admits he is enduring a “tough” second season in the Premier League, but says he will never shirk responsibility for trying to make Everton tick.

00:10, Tue, Mar 17, 2015 | UPDATED: 06:40, Tue, Mar 17, 2015

He also claimed he is working hard in training to come up with new ways of staying one step ahead of his opponents after accepting he is no longer an unknown quantity.

Barkley stepped off the substitutes’ bench to round off the scoring in Everton’s 3-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday which saw them draw clear of the relegation zone following a first home win since mid-December.

Ross Barkley GETTY

Ross Barkley scores for Everton against Newcastle

“It has been a tough season for me,” said Barkley.

“Every game is different and, because last season was my first full season in the Premier League, then maybe no one really knew about me.

“Maybe this season opponents know part of my game and it is up to me to learn and adapt to that. If people think they know what I am going to do I have to come up with something different and have other options.”