Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye welcomes new competition in squad

Idrissa Gana Gueye is happy he is facing a fight for his place in Everton's midfield after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegalese international recently returned to England after his side lost on penalties to Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Gueye, 27, was one of the Toffees' standout performers in the first half of the season, but while he was away the club boosted their midfield with the signature of Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United.

Academy youngster Tom Davies has also stepped up, increasing the already high competition for places in central midfield.

Gueye, an unused substitute for Everton's 6-3 weekend win over Bournemouth, said: "There's really good quality, tough competition but good competition which is good for the team.

"It's (Schneiderlin's arrival) a really good signing for us and training has gone well so far. I don't know if the gaffer will put me on the pitch and play with him or with another player.

"It's not a problem, we are a team and everybody deserves to play."