Steven Naismith has urged people not to put too much pressure on Everton teammate Ross Barkley over the next few seasons.
Barkley earned praise for his impressive midfield display in a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Monday night, but Naismith believes that Everton and England supporters must be patient if they want to see the 21-year-old replicate that form on a regular basis.
"It's the normal kind of British mentality where he is expected to be a world beater as soon as he comes in," the Scot told members of the media.
"Young players are going to be hot and cold for many years. It's not until they hit their mid-20s they will be very consistent.
"Ross has suffered from a bit of that. He's got all the talent in the world but he's got a lot to learn and you just have to give him time to learn."
Everton are back in action in the Premier League against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Callum Mulvihill
