How does it feel to be one of the Premier League’s new breakthrough stars?

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind but it’s definitely been all good stuff. I’m just trying to take each moment as it comes and enjoy every bit of it.

The big moment that stands out is you goal against Manchester City. What was running through your mind as the ball hit the back of the net?

I think it was a dream. I’ve always dreamed of that moment. When I picked the ball up in the box, I thought I’d gone as far as I could with it but to then actually have the chance to finish it off – it was something I’d dreamed about. To get my first goal at Goodison was something I couldn’t have wished to be any better.

It must have been pretty special to do that against Manchester City too, given some of the players they’ve got…

Definitely. They’ve got some amazing players and to be in a side that beat them 4-0 is a great achievement for me and as a lad growing up watching the Premier League – watching players like Silva, Yaya Toure, Aguero – they’ve been in it for years and won the Premier League. To play against them was an accomplishment in itself, it gave me a chance to see where I was as a player.

How did your family and friends react to that game?

They couldn’t believe it and neither could I! They were all made up for me and after that game we went out and had some food, just celebrated really.

For your friends in particular – perhaps the guys you grew up with locally and went to school with – it must be mad…

I think so, yeah. They’re all really happy for me and they want me to do well. I think the lad that’s closest with me and my brother, he’s an Evertonian, so it’s great for him. I’m living his dream as well as mine so he’s always there asking me how I’m getting on and that’s great to have.