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Michael Keane has opened up on the importance of staying strong mentally as well as physically in football.

The Everton defender has faced a battle to be in the side on a regular basis this season, with Mason Holgate claiming a regular place in central defence under Carlo Ancelotti alongside Yerry Mina.

However, Keane doesn't let any setbacks get to him.

The 27-year-old has revealed he regularly visits a sports psychologist and believes working on the mental side of his game is just as crucial as the physical aspect of being a footballer.

He told Everton's official match programme: "You should work on the mental side as much as anything else, but I don't think it's the case that many do. I think a lot of players don't work enough on their states of mind before going into games.

"It is sometimes overlooked - but speaking to someone has really helped me. In a lot of other sports - especially individual ones - sports psychologists are vital.

"I started [individual sessions] after coming to Everton and have someone I speak to every two or three weeks. The conversations are game-focused more than anything. They refresh your mind.

"We talk a bit about family and stuff but it's mainly football. We'll analyse games, look in detail at opponents I am going to play against and discuss ways to quickly get over any mistakes and not let them affect me.

"It is mainly about being prepared and has helped a lot over a period of time."

Social media has become increasingly prominent over the last few years, with fans sharing their instant opinion on matches and specific performances after each game.

Some of the criticism can be scathing at times, but Keane chooses not to focus on any of it.

Instead of reading the comments on social media, the defender has learned not to take anything to heart.

"It is not easy when things don't go well and everyone is on top of you. But I am mature enough to deal with that and not let it affect me too much," he added.

"It is not going to help me in any way, so I stay away from it. I go on Instagram now and again but not Twitter.

(Image: Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)

"One week you can have loads of good things said about you and the next week it's all bad. That's the way it is. You cannot take anything you see on social media to heart.

"My family have a look but don't tell me about it. I am sure it always annoys them. But I have got used to it and accepted it for what it is."

Alongside working on the mental aspect of his game, Keane has also been working to improve himself physically.

The defender now practices yoga twice a week and believes it has added an extra element to his game.

Keane remarked: "I might have been a bit surprised if you'd told me then I'd be doing yoga - but if you have the opportunity to do something which might help you improve, you'd be silly to turn it down.

"One of the physios thought it would help me after an injury. I started at the beginning of last season and stuck with it.

"Yoga is a good way to unwind, to relax for half an hour in the morning and focus on something else. It improves my flexibility and stability and increases strength around my glutes.

"It makes me feel good going into training, it makes me feel alive and switches on my muscles."

Keane has been forced to settle for a place on the bench more often in recent weeks, with the good form of Mason Holgate keeping the centre-back out of the side.

The 27-year-old has made 16 starts this term, and admitted it is difficult to be left out of the side.

(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

But, he is there to support the team and he even believes a break from the starting 11 has actually been beneficial to him.

"It's hard to watch [when out of Everton's team] but you have to be patient and keep working hard - doing everything you can to get back in and be ready for your chance," Keane said.

"You have to train as if you're playing, no matter what you think will happen. I won't let my training standards or work ethic slip.

"I have never been someone who shows if I am annoyed or frustrated because that could affect the team. I support the lads who are playing.

"A break can be a good thing. You have to use the time wisely, view it as an opportunity to do things you weren't, to refresh and go again.

"I was doing more leg weights, which makes me feel sharper and quicker...when you're playing games you manage your gym load to stay fresh. I can definitely feel the benefit from having a rest.

"The past few years over Christmas I've felt quite run down, playing every game, and it is hard to come out of that. It has not been so hectic this year and I'm raring to go."