Phil Jagielka suffered medial ligament damage against Arsenal in October but returned in the FA Cup on Saturday

Everton skipper Phil Jagielka has heaped praise on the way John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori played in his absence.

The 33-year-old England international made his return from a knee injury in the FA Cup third round win over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday after two months out.

The Toffees have been in good form but conceded 17 goals in 10 Premier League games in his absence, which Jagielka insists the whole team is culpable for.

After playing alongside Argentina international Funes Mori at Goodison Park, the centre-back said: "Ramiro is no mug - he is an international player who we paid a lot of money for.

"The one thing he doesn't have is experience in the Premier League, but playing more with John, playing more games, you can see he is growing and looking more composed on the ball.

"He is a fantastic competitor and at the moment he has been a good buy. In the future I'm sure we will say he has been a fantastic buy. The only way he will get experience is game time.

Ramiro Funes Mori has been improving week by week for Everton this season

"He has played a lot with John at the moment. Whether he plays with me or John over the next few months, he has been picking up the accolades for his performances and they are deserved.

"John is a great lad and he will eventually be a leader. Just because he is 21 it does not mean he can't help someone else out who has not been too long in the country."

Jagielka suffered his knee injury against Arsenal on October 24 and missed England's friendlies against Spain and France in November.

And he added: "It has been difficult but it is not just down to the defenders. Some of the goals we conceded could have been stopped at source, so it is frustrating.

"It has been a test of character. We have a lot of young lads, who have not been here a long time, and it is all part of their character growing at such a great club.

"There is no panic button being pressed but there are a few things that need working on. We need to iron those little things out now, and have a progressive second half of the season. We are getting stronger and stronger with more experience."