Ross Barkley has showered Duncan Ferguson with praise for the work he has put in at Everton over his time at the club.

Ferguson, a former Toffees striker and now member of Roberto Martinez’s first team staff, has been honoured with a testimonial match on Sunday afternoon to celebrate his affiliation with the Blues over the past twenty years.

“He fully deserves his occasion on Sunday. It’s reward for how much he loves the Club” – Barkley on Ferguson

And midfielder Barkley told evertontv that the 43 year old’s guidance and knowledge of the game has helped the 21 year old become a more rounded player on the field, as well as insisting that the Scot still commands respect from everyone around Finch Farm.

“Since he came over to us, he has been great,” the 21-year-old told evertontv. “He has been passing on all of his experience.

“As an attacking player, like him, Duncan has been passing on information for me to take into games. We have been working on my finishing and getting across my man. They were things he was great at, so it’s been fantastic to learn from him.

“I’ve seen a few finishes in the top corner from him in training – he has still got it!

“We just class him as one of the lads, but you do have to be respectful because he is a coach and obviously he is a legend – everybody knows that.

“When I was a youngster, all the lads in the Academy used to love watching him in training and seeing him around Bellefield when we were over there. It’s brilliant for him to be around us all the time now.

“He fully deserves his occasion on Sunday. It’s reward for how much he loves the Club. You see just how much he does every day.”