Thursday 7 December 2017 09:48, UK
Morgan Schneiderlin admits he has a point to prove and is desperate to make the most of a "fresh start" under Sam Allardyce.
The Frenchman, who has been named in an experimental squad for the Europa League meeting against Apollon Limassol on Thursday, is focused on re-establishing himself as a regular starter for the Toffees.
Schneiderlin is targeting the trip to Cyprus as a chance to impress new Everton manager Allardyce, who has not travelled, and the rest of his coaching staff ahead of Nissan Super Sunday's Merseyside derby.
"Since I (started to) play football, in every game you have something to prove," said Schneiderlin.
"That is part of being a football player. Every game you have to show what you can do and there is not going to be any difference (against Limassol). We are going to do our maximum to win the game.
"It is a game for everyone to show themselves and prove they can play. Afterwards it is going to be the manager's decision. It's going to be a chance to get game time, the rhythm of playing, enjoy yourself and finish the campaign on a good note. You just have to give your maximum - that is all that you can control."
The former Manchester United and Southampton player also denied reports that he and Kevin Mirallas were sent away from Everton's training ground for a perceived lack of effort at the beginning of November, leading to the pair's subsequent absence from their 3-2 victory over Watford.
When he was asked for his version of the training ground incident, he said: "I read about it in the newspaper and I was surprised as I could be because there was no incident. It was a surprise for me - I made a statement (at the time) on social media that it was fake news and not true.
"That is the only thing I will say about it because I want to turn the page. It was not nice for me to see that but it is part of football and I have to deal with it."
"I want to prove (myself) in every game. Of course there is a new management team so it is a fresh start for everyone. I haven't had the chance to play the last two games but it is going to be up to me to show what I can do and that I can make a difference for the team."
