Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has tried to prevent himself from gaining a reputation of being a serial diver by insisting that he would never intentionally try to cheat.

The England international was heavily criticised after going to ground easily during the Toffees' 2-1 victory over West Ham United last month.

The 21-year-old was also wrongly booked for simulation following a foul by Frank Lampard during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

"I was 100% certain it should have been a free kick," Barkley told the Liverpool Echo. "The ref made his decision and said I dived but I don't think that's right.

"I don't ever intend to dive. I'm a scouser - we don't do things like that. It's frustrating."

Barkley has become a regular within the Everton first team after an impressive season at Goodison Park in the 2013-14 campaign, which earned him a spot in the England squad for the World Cup last summer.